A new study has found that some everyday chemicals found in household items and packaging may be linked to a higher risk of certain cancers, especially in women. These chemicals, called endocrine-disrupting chemicals, can interfere with how hormones work in the body.
The research was published in the Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology and was led by scientists from the University of California San Francisco, the University of Southern California, and the University of Michigan.
The study focused on two main groups of chemicals: PFAS and phenols. PFAS (which stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are often called “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down easily in the environment or in the body.
They are found in non-stick cookware like Teflon, waterproof clothing, some food wrappers, and many other everyday products. Phenols, including a chemical called BPA, are also very common and can be found in plastic containers, water bottles, and receipts.
Researchers studied data from more than 10,000 people and looked at the chemical levels in their bodies. They found that women with higher amounts of certain long-chain PFAS chemicals in their bodies were nearly twice as likely to have had melanoma (a type of skin cancer) or uterine cancer in the past.
These types of cancer are often linked to hormones, so the researchers believe that the chemicals may affect the body’s hormone system in ways that can increase cancer risk.
The study also found interesting patterns when it came to race and ethnicity. The link between PFAS and certain cancers like ovarian and uterine cancer was mainly seen in white women.
On the other hand, connections between PFAS or phenols and breast cancer were more common in women of color. This suggests that not everyone is affected the same way and that more research is needed to understand why these differences exist.
Amber Cathey, Ph.D., the lead author of the study, explained that PFAS may cause problems in how hormones work in women, which could raise the chances of developing hormone-related cancers. The senior author, Max Aung, Ph.D., said this research shows that both PFAS and phenols should be treated as major environmental health risks.
Tracey Woodruff, another researcher on the team, said that this is more proof that these chemicals need to be better regulated. She suggested that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should consider banning entire classes of harmful chemicals rather than trying to regulate them one by one.
Although the study does not prove that these chemicals directly cause cancer, it does offer strong evidence that they could play a role in raising the risk. Scientists say this is an important area for more research and that changes in policy could help reduce how much of these chemicals people are exposed to.
For people concerned about cancer risk, the researchers recommend staying informed about these chemicals and supporting actions to reduce exposure. Other studies have shown that staying active, getting enough vitamin D, and eating healthy foods like yogurt and high-fiber diets may also help lower the risk of cancer.
This research reminds us that what we’re exposed to in our daily lives—from the pans we cook with to the packaging on our food—can have long-term effects on our health. It calls for more awareness, more studies, and smarter rules to help protect people, especially women, from these hidden dangers.
If you care about cancer, please read studies that low-carb diet could increase overall cancer risk, and new way to increase the longevity of cancer survivors.
For more health information, please see recent studies about how to fight cancer with these anti-cancer superfoods, and results showing daily vitamin D3 supplementation may reduce cancer death risk.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
