Investigating the link between PFAS chemicals and breast cancer risk in diverse populations
Official title: A nested case-control study of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and breast cancer risk in the Multiethnic Cohort
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-11059222 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether being exposed to certain chemicals called PFAS can increase the risk of breast cancer in women from different backgrounds, especially those in low-income communities, by checking their blood samples and health information.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 26, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $576,983 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA279668-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11059222 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include women from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, particularly those living in low-income communities in California and Hawaii.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not reside in the study areas or who do not have a history of breast cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to explore the relationship between exposure to per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and the risk of developing breast cancer among a diverse group of women. By analyzing pre-diagnostic blood samples and comprehensive data on breast cancer risk factors, the study seeks to identify whether higher levels of PFAS are associated with increased breast cancer risk. The research will focus on various racial and ethnic groups, particularly those in low-income communities who may have higher PFAS exposure. The methodology includes a nested case-control design within the Multiethnic Cohort, allowing for a thorough examination of genetic, metabolic, and environmental factors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention strategies for breast cancer, particularly among high-risk populations.
How similar studies have gone: While some studies have suggested a link between PFAS and breast cancer in primarily white populations, this research is novel as it focuses on a diverse cohort and aims to provide more comprehensive data.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Eunjung — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Lee, Eunjung
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.