PFAS chemicals and endometrial cancer risk in US adults
Official title: Investigating PFAS as Emerging Risk Factors for Endometrial Cancer in US Populations
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-11368598 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at whether certain PFAS chemicals in the environment are linked to a higher risk of endometrial cancer among adults in the United States.
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 | July 19, 2026 |
| Project end | January 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $512,672 |
| NIH project number | 1R01MD021735-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11368598 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 21 years and older, particularly within African American communities, with or without known exposure histories and who may participate in future biomarker or longitudinal assessments.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals not exposed to PFAS-related risk factors or not followed for endometrial cancer risk may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers from the University of Southern California will examine how exposure to PFAS in daily life, along with neighborhood context, relates to the development of endometrial cancer. The study will use pre-diagnostic samples and existing health data to explore potential links and interactions with obesity and metabolic factors. By combining individual exposure data with area-level factors, the team hopes to identify groups at higher risk and potential early indicators. The findings could help guide prevention efforts and inform policy to reduce environmental exposures that may contribute to cancer risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could improve understanding of environmental and contextual factors that raise endometrial cancer risk, potentially guiding prevention and early-detection strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Prior cross-sectional work suggested PFAS exposure is linked to EC risk, but prospective pre-diagnostic data are needed and would strengthen confidence.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Setiawan, Veronica Wendy — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Setiawan, Veronica Wendy
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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.