Posted on June 19th, 2025
Today, among active-duty servicemen in the U.S., testicular cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer, and scientific evidence suggests specific military exposures may contribute to this increase in risk. There is a concerning connection between military personnel and elevated cancer rates, especially among those exposed to PFAS.
This discovery is significant beyond individual cases. Most commonly, testicular cancer affects men between 15 and 45 years old, which makes it a particular risk for servicemen in the military who are usually serving during these peak risk years. Experts have been unable to explain why testicular cancer has doubled in incidence over the past 40 years.
Scientific evidence links PFAS exposure to testicular cancer in military personnel
National Cancer Institute researchers examined the relationship between blood levels of PFAS chemicals and testicular cancer risk among active-duty Air Force servicemen. A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives analyzed 530 cases of testicular cancer diagnosed during active duty and 530 cancer-free controls with blood samples collected before diagnosis.
Scientists have discovered that elevated blood levels of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), a type of PFAS chemical, are associated with an increased risk of developing testicular cancer. PFAS levels were higher among military personnel exposed to aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) or stationed at bases with high PFAS contamination levels.
PFAS chemicals contaminate military installations
Airports and military installations use firefighting foams containing PFAS chemicals to extinguish petroleum-based fires. These substances are highly persistent in the environment and can accumulate in the body over time. Decades of firefighting training exercises and emergency responses with AFFF have made military bases significant sources of PFAS contamination.
Laboratory studies show that PFOS and other PFAS chemicals promote testicular cancer growth in animal models at doses consistent with human exposure levels. The research revealed that PFAS exposure can alter gene expression patterns related to DNA methylation and affect metabolic pathways involved in steroid biosynthesis and fatty acid metabolism. The chemicals act as endocrine disruptors, mimicking fatty acid-based compounds that control lipid metabolism and hormone regulation.
Military personnel at the highest risk of PFAS exposure
Several groups within the military face particularly elevated exposure risk:
- Active and retired Air Force personnel who served as firefighters
- Servicemen stationed at bases with documented PFAS water contamination
- Personnel involved in firefighting training exercises using PFAS-containing foams
- Military members who worked at airports or aircraft maintenance facilities
Detection and appropriate treatment can improve the prognosis of testicular cancer, despite its serious nature. There is a 90% success rate of treating testicular cancer, and the five-year survival rate is 95%. Early detection and prompt treatment are essential for achieving these positive outcomes.
Legal support for military personnel with PFAS testicular cancer
Military servicemen diagnosed with testicular cancer who were exposed to PFAS chemicals during their service can file a compensation claim. The connection between military PFAS exposure and testicular cancer, supported by peer-reviewed scientific research, provides a foundation for potential cases.
Our legal team has over three decades of experience representing individuals harmed by toxic exposure, including military personnel affected by chemical contamination. We provide free case evaluations to determine whether your testicular cancer diagnosis may be connected to your PFAS exposure during military service.
