PFAS and thyroid cancer in firefighters: 2025 research and legal implications

Recent data show that the rate of thyroid cancer diagnoses is growing faster than any other cancer in the United States. As more thyroid tumors are being discovered on scans, other studies are exploring one of the risk factors for thyroid cancer, which is chemical exposure at work. Firefighters who have been exposed to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) or "forever chemicals" in aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) may be at increased risk of developing thyroid cancer, and may have a difficult time in treatment if they have high PFAS levels in the blood.

Thyroid cancer research updates in 2025: PFAS chemicals may increase risk and affect tumor behavior

Thyroid cancer is generally considered treatable, far more than any other type of cancer. However, a case becomes riskier when the patient’s body resists treatment, like when the patient’s body is resisting RAI (radioactive iodine) therapy. A study published in 2025 found high PFAS levels (PFDA and PFNA, specifically) in the blood of RAI-resistant patients with thyroid cancer. This suggests that high PFAS serum levels might be interfering with thyroid cancer treatment. They also associated PFAS exposure with reduced iodine uptake (which has already been known about PFAS chemicals before) and aggressive progression of the tumor.

Firefighting statistics update in 2025: Increased incidence of cancer among firefighters

The American Cancer Society estimates that over 40,000 thyroid cancer cases will be diagnosed in 2026. Firefighters, especially those who served in the military, are particularly vulnerable because they have a higher risk of developing occupational cancer. A recent study on women career firefighters in Florida found a 63% increase in overall cancer incidence, including thyroid cancer and Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

In 2024, a bill was filed in Congress with the goal of compensating firefighters who have been injured, developed cancer, or passed away from a PFAS-associated condition. While the proposed bill called "Firefighter PFAS Injury Compensation Act" is not yet enacted into law, firefighters still have the option to file an AFFF claim against manufacturers or file a VA disability claim for thyroid cancer (for military firefighters).

Contact ELG Law to file an AFFF claim for thyroid cancer

This condition is treatable in most cases, and having access to quality medical treatment will help you through your diagnosis and therapy. ELG has been assisting toxic exposure victims who have developed cancer, and we understand how important it is to avoid the stress of filing legal action and establishing a nexus between your exposure and your condition. Our AFFF lawyers only need your employment records as a firefighter (or military records for military firefighters) and medical records to evaluate your claim and file on your behalf.