PFAS pancreatic cancer: survival rates and what you need to know

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. The harsh reality is that early detection can mean the difference between a 44% survival rate and a 3% survival rate, depending on how far the cancer has spread. For veterans and others who lived near contaminated military bases, the health risks tied to PFAS exposure are especially concerning.

Common symptoms of pancreatic cancer include:

• Upper abdominal pain
• Loss of appetite
• Jaundice
• New-onset diabetes
• Fatigue
• Dark urine
• Itchy skin
• Nausea, vomiting, or indigestion
• Bloating

PFAS exposure may increase pancreatic cancer risk

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are found in aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), a firefighting foam that the U.S. military has used since the 1970s. PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFOS (perfluorooctanesulfonic acid) are two types of PFAS. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classified PFOA as carcinogenic to humans in 2023, while PFOS was found to be possibly carcinogenic to humans.

PFAS can drastically alter biological processes, as seen in different studies. Research using genetically engineered mouse models showed that PFOA exposure led to a 58% increased pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) and a twofold increase in lesion number. PFOA exposure enhanced oxidative stress and tissue damage, promoting cancer development. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences found clear evidence of association between PFOA and pancreatic cancer in male rats over a two-year study period.

Understanding pancreatic cancer survival rates by stage

The prognosis for pancreatic cancer depends heavily on when it's caught. This is what the data shows:

• Localized pancreatic cancer (confined to the pancreas): 44% five-year survival rate
• Regional pancreatic cancer (spread to nearby structures or lymph nodes): 16% five-year survival rate
• Distant pancreatic cancer (spread to distant parts of the body): 3% five-year survival rate
• All stages combined: 13% five-year survival rate

Unfortunately, pancreatic cancer typically remains silent until advanced stages, with 80% of cases diagnosed when the disease has already spread. However, 10% of patients diagnosed early have significantly better outcomes and potential for disease-free survival.

High-risk groups for PFAS-related pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer rates have been found to be higher in communities near military bases that are contaminated with PFAS. In Pennsylvania, residents near a naval air station showed statistically higher pancreatic cancer rates than the state as a whole. Because of widespread PFAS contamination at military installations, some groups face higher risks of developing pancreatic cancer:

• Military personnel and veterans who were exposed to PFAS while stationed at a contaminated military base
• Family members of military personnel and veterans who lived with them at a contaminated military base
• Civilians who lived within one mile of a contaminated military base

ELG Law can help with your PFAS-related pancreatic cancer compensation claim

A PFAS-related pancreatic cancer diagnosis brings medical expenses, lost income, and family hardship. The poor survival rates and aggressive nature of this disease make obtaining compensation even more crucial for those exposed to PFAS on military installations. We offer free case evaluations for these complex PFAS cases. First, we need proof that you have been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and that you have been exposed to PFAS while serving in the military, living on a base, or living within one mile of contaminated facilities.