"Forever chemicals" (PFAS) and cancer

The project will use samples from the population-based Janus Serum Bank as a "time machine" to explore the relationship between kidney and testicular cancer and exposure to "Eternal Chemicals" Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS).

The figures from the Cancer Registry indicate an increase in urological cancers in the Norwegian population. Exposure to environmental factors such as harmful chemicals seems to influence the development of urological cancer more than genetic factors. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as "Forever Chemicals," are a group of persistent and bioaccumulative chemicals classified as potential carcinogens. Some studies have reported an increased incidence of urological cancer with PFAS exposure, but clear evidence at the population level is still lacking.

 

                       

 

We aim to fill this knowledge gap by investigating the relationship between kidney and testicular cancer and exposure to PFAS. These cancer types have shown an increased incidence since the introduction of PFAS in Norway. We will use blood samples from the "archive" Janus Serum Bank to go back to the time when PFAS was introduced and measure PFAS levels in historical samples from over 1000 patients and an equally large control group. We will also explore associations with occupation and residence, as well as possible molecular changes due to PFAS exposure. Using mathematical modeling, we will examine the dynamics of PFAS levels in individuals over time.

Our goal is to assess the risk of PFAS exposure for the population, identify potential exposure biomarkers, and establish reference values that can assist authorities worldwide in developing preventive strategies.

           

 

 

 

 

 

 

Illustration: Julita Jakubiec

Financing and collaborations

Folkehelseinstituttet 

Dartmouth, USA  

Universitetet i Bergen

Imperial College, UK

The study is funded by the Norwegian Cancer Society, read more about the allocation of the funds here.

Dissemination.

List of publications:

Husøy T, Caspersen IH, Thépaut E, Knutsen H, Haug LS, Andreassen M, Gkrillas A, Lindeman B, Thomsen C, Herzke D, Dirven H, Wojewodzic MW. Comparison of aggregated exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) from diet and personal care products with concentrations in blood using a PBPK model - Results from the Norwegian biomonitoring study in EuroMix. Environ Res. 2023 Dec 15;239(Pt 2):117341. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117341. Epub 2023 Oct 14. PMID: 37839534.

Media:

Rekordfinansiering til Kreftregisterets forskning - Kreftregisteret 2023 

220 millioner til kreftforskning - Kreftforeningen 2023

Miljøgifter, hva er det og hva kan du gjøre? - Podcast 2024

Eksplosiv økning av testikkelkreft - Nettavisen 2024

Disse matvarene inneholder verstingkjemikalie - Nettavisen 2024

Conference contributions:

Miljøgifter i mat og miljø - er vi trygge? - Seminar 2023 (YouTube stream)

Project group:

Project leader - Marcin Wojewodzic

The Cancer Registry of Norway - Hilde LangsethTrude Eid RobsahmTom GrimsrudMarianne LauritzenJan Ivar Martinsen og Kristin Haugan

Norwegian Institute of Public Health - Line S. HaugTrine Husøy og Dorthe Herzke

University of Bergen - Suzanne Roeblitz

Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, USA - Angeline S. Andrew

School of Public Health, Imperial College London - Oliver Robinson