Posted on June 03rd, 2025
Military and civilian firefighters exposed to AFFF may face a higher risk of developing male breast cancer. PFOA and PFOS, two of the various types of PFAS chemicals in the foam, are carcinogenic and possibly carcinogenic, which may negatively affect hormones and increase breast cancer risk in men.
Male breast cancer (MBC) is a rare condition, but the incidence in U.S. males has been increasing in recent years. The American Cancer Society estimates that 2,800 American men will be diagnosed with MBC in 2025. Common MBC symptoms include a lump or swelling in the chest, nipple discharge, nipple turning inwards, skin dimpling, and skin redness.
MBC is often diagnosed as adenocarcinoma, but it comes in many different types. You may still be qualified for a male breast cancer claim if you have any of the following diagnoses:
- Invasive Ductal Carcinoma
- Ductal Carcinoma in Situ
- Invasive Lobular Carcinoma
- Inflammatory Breast Cancer
- Paget's Disease
Male breast cancer incidence is high among firefighters
Currently, the lifetime risk of MBC is approximately 1 in 726 men, according to the American Cancer Society. However, the odds may increase depending on a person's risk factors, such as genetic predisposition (associated with BRCA2 and BRCA1 genes), family history, and exposure to chemicals throughout their career.
In a study published in Toxics, researchers reviewed breast cancer-related chemical exposures in firefighters and found studies on high breast cancer risk among firefighters in various countries. A study of Florida firefighters found that male�firefighters were 7.4 times more likely to die from breast cancer than the general male population in Florida.
Military and civilian firefighters are facing high risks due to occupational exposure to aqueous film-forming foam, which has been used for decades to extinguish liquid fires due to the cancer-causing PFAS chemicals in the foam.
PFAS in firefighting foam have been associated with male breast cancer
PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are fluorine-based compounds that are highly resistant to degradation, making them useful in industrial applications but harmfully persistent in our environment. In a study published in Toxics, researchers found strong evidence of elevated firefighter exposure to various chemicals, including PFAS. PFAS chemical exposure levels were found to be higher following firefighting activity, and PFAS concentrations were found to be elevated in firefighting-related environments compared to other work environments.
Two types of PFAS, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), have been classified as carcinogenic (Group 1) and possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B), respectively. Several studies have found that PFOS was associated with breast cancer, and PFOS chemicals were found in legacy AFFF stocks that were manufactured until 2002 and might still be in storage until 2025.
There is still limited research on the connection between AFFF and MBC because the condition is so rare, but there is enough evidence to suggest that PFAS chemicals in the foam are dangerously linked to male breast cancer. If you are a military or civilian firefighter, we encourage you to get your symptoms checked and to file an AFFF exposure claim if you have been diagnosed with MBC.
ELG Law can help you file an AFFF exposure claim for male breast cancer
The Environmental Litigation Group has been assisting toxic exposure victims with cancer diagnoses for decades. If you are a military or civilian firefighter, we only need your military or employment records, whichever is applicable, and your medical documents showing your male breast cancer diagnosis to evaluate your eligibility for claims. Our attorneys will handle the filing process and pursue compensation, allowing you to focus on treatment and recovery.
