By Treven Pyles
Posted on May 09th, 2025
Breast cancer in men is rare, but they are often diagnosed late. A well-known risk factor for male breast cancer is genetic mutation, though exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances on contaminated military bases can also be the culprit behind the increasing male breast cancer diagnoses in the military.
Male breast cancer (MBC) is still uncommon in the general population. The condition makes up less than 1% of all breast cancer cases. However, the Veterans Affairs had seen a 26 percent increase in MBC cases among military veterans from 1975 to 2010. This could be due to many environmental factors that put military personnel at high risk. A prime example of widespread chemicals being associated with male breast cancer is per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These chemicals are found at over 700 military bases in the U.S. after decades of firefighting foam use.
PFAS exposure may increase the risk of developing male breast cancer
It is well established in research that mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 carrier genes can increase male breast cancer risk by 4% and 6%, respectively. But for the majority of males diagnosed with breast cancer, no identifiable risk could be found aside from aging. This could mean that many of the environmental risk factors of MBC are still unexplored in research studies, especially chemicals like PFAS that have only been around for a few decades.
PFAS is a suspected endocrine disruptor, and studies have found its potential harmful effects on liver metabolism, sex hormone regulation, and thyroid function. Studies have shown that PFAS had a different impact on cancer risks for males and females. A recent publication in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology found that PFAS exposure was associated with thyroid, pharyngeal, and soft tissue cancers for females. Among males, PFAS exposure was linked to brain, blood, urinary, and soft tissue cancers.
You may be eligible for compensation
When PFAS chemicals contaminated military bases due to the frequent use of aqueous film-forming foam, military veterans were not the only ones at risk. These chemicals are hard to remove from the environment and can easily contaminate drinking water around the area. Family members of veterans and civilians who lived near contaminated bases are also high-risk groups for PFAS-related cancers.
Environmental Litigation Group, P.C. helps individuals file PFAS male breast cancer claims. You may be eligible for the claim if you have been diagnosed with male breast cancer and mmet the following criteria as well:
- You, a military personnel or veteran, served at a contaminated military base.
- You, a family member of a military personnel or veteran, lived with them at a contaminated military base.
- As a civilian resident, you lived within one mile of a contaminated military base.
File your PFAS male breast cancer claim with ELG Law
If you meet the requirements above, we may be able to help you get financial compensation for your PFAS-associated diagnosis. We assist toxic exposure victims and their family members in filing PFAS claims for financial compensation.
Our attorneys can evaluate your case at no cost. We only need your medical records, your military records, and proof of residence, whichever is applicable. To get started on the process, contact ELG Law to schedule a consultation.
