If you’ve been hearing about “forever chemicals” and their connection to cancer, you’re not alone—and the concern is real. Across the country, growing evidence shows that PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are quietly contaminating residential water supplies, including the water you and your family drink every day.
Among the most alarming health risks tied to PFAS exposure is cancer. In this post, we’ll break down the science behind PFAS and cancer risk, explain why your tap water could be putting your health at risk, and show how you can protect your household using home water testing kits from TestPFAST.
What Are PFAS?
PFAS are a group of over 12,000 synthetic chemicals developed in the 1940s and used in everything from nonstick cookware and waterproof clothing to firefighting foam and food packaging. Known for their resistance to heat, oil, and water, PFAS have been widely used in consumer and industrial products for decades.
The problem? They don’t break down in the environment—or in your body. That’s why they’re often called “forever chemicals.”
Once PFAS enter your water supply, they can remain there indefinitely without proper filtration. And over time, as they accumulate in your body, they’ve been linked to serious health risks—including cancer.
PFAS and Cancer: What Does the Research Say?
Over the last two decades, multiple peer-reviewed studies, public health investigations, and legal cases have drawn a strong connection between PFAS exposure and specific types of cancer.
According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), ongoing research continues to explore how PFAS exposure affects different cancer types. Their research portfolio includes evaluating cancer rates among individuals exposed through drinking water, occupational settings, and broader environmental sources.
The Two Most Strongly Linked Cancers:
Kidney Cancer
Several large-scale studies, including findings from the C8 Health Project and other community-based research, have shown a significant association between perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)—a type of PFAS—and kidney cancer. Long-term exposure through drinking water was a key route of concern.
Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer has also been linked to PFAS exposure, particularly in communities near manufacturing plants or military bases that used PFAS-containing foam. Elevated levels of PFAS in drinking water have been correlated with a higher incidence of this cancer.
According to the American Cancer Society, some studies have reported increased risks of testicular and kidney cancers among individuals living near or working in PFOA-related chemical plants.
Other Possible Links:
While research is ongoing, early studies suggest potential associations between PFAS and:
- Prostate cancer
- Liver cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Breast cancer
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified PFOA as “possibly carcinogenic to humans.”
How Do PFAS Get Into Your Tap Water?
PFAS can enter your residential water supply through several sources:
- Industrial waste from manufacturing plants
- Leaching from landfills
- Runoff from airports or military bases using firefighting foam
- Contaminated soil and groundwater that feeds into municipal or private wells
Even if you live in a suburban or rural area far from major factories, PFAS can still be present in your water. They’ve been found in water supplies in all 50 states, and most people in the U.S. already have some level of PFAS in their blood.
Why PFAS Exposure Through Drinking Water Is Especially Dangerous
Unlike food or packaging exposure—where contact may be brief—drinking water provides a constant, daily route of exposure. Because PFAS compounds are bioaccumulative, they build up in your body over time. This makes low-level exposure over months or years especially concerning when it comes to cancer risk.
If you’re drinking contaminated water regularly, you may not notice any symptoms until PFAS levels in your blood reach a threshold that increases your health risk—especially for long-latency diseases like cancer.
Warning Signs You Might Have PFAS in Your Water
Unfortunately, PFAS are invisible, odorless, and tasteless—which means you can’t detect them without lab testing. Still, here are a few warning signs that you should test your water for PFAS:
- You live near a military base, airport, industrial site, or landfill
- Your local municipality has been flagged in EPA health advisories or environmental lawsuits
- You use a private well that hasn’t been tested for PFAS
- Your area has reported PFAS detections in schools or neighboring communities
- You’ve noticed unexplained health issues over time
Why Early Detection Matters
When it comes to cancer risk, early detection of PFAS in your water can save lives. If you identify the problem early, you can take steps to:
- Stop drinking the contaminated water
- Install proper filtration systems
- Prevent further exposure to your family
- Avoid long-term health consequences, including PFAS-related cancers
That’s where TestPFAST comes in.
TestPFAST: Easy, Accurate Home Water Testing for PFAS
At TestPFAST, we believe that clean water should never be a mystery.
Our easy-to-use PFAS water testing kits are designed for homeowners who want to take control of their health without navigating complex lab systems or waiting for their local government to act. Whether you’re on city water or a private well, you can use TestPFAST to get peace of mind—or early warning.
Here’s how it works:
- Order your kit online at TestPFAST.com
- Collect your sample using our clear step-by-step instructions
- Send it back in the prepaid shipping package
- Receive your detailed results with lab-grade accuracy
We partner with certified labs to deliver reliable results. If PFAS are found in your sample, we’ll help guide you through your options for next steps, including filtration systems and further testing.
Real Protection Starts With Awareness
PFAS may be invisible, but the damage they cause isn’t. If you’re concerned about PFAS cancer risk, it’s time to take action before symptoms ever show up. Public utilities can be slow to act. Regulations are evolving. But your health can’t wait.
By testing your tap water now, you can make informed decisions to reduce your exposure and protect your family’s long-term wellbeing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is boiling water enough to remove PFAS?
No. Boiling water does not remove PFAS—in fact, it may concentrate the chemicals further. You need a specialized filtration system like activated carbon or reverse osmosis, and testing is the first step to know if you need one.
Can I get cancer just from short-term PFAS exposure?
Cancer risk typically comes from long-term, chronic exposure, but PFAS can accumulate in your body over time. Early testing allows you to prevent future risk, even if your exposure has been brief.
What level of PFAS is considered dangerous?
The EPA has recently proposed a limit as low as 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for certain PFAS compounds like PFOA and PFOS in drinking water. Many water systems exceed this level, especially those using groundwater sources.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait for a Diagnosis
Your water may look clean—but it could be carrying a hidden, cancer-linked contaminant. The good news is: you don’t have to guess.
Order your PFAS water test today from TestPFAST.com and take the first step toward peace of mind. Your health, your family, and your future are too important to leave to chance.
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