# NIH Links Forever Chemicals to Aggressive Breast Cancer

> NIH study ties PFOA and PFOS to higher rates of aggressive breast cancer.
- Title: NIH Links Forever Chemicals to Aggressive Breast Cancer
- Summary: NIH study ties PFOA and PFOS to higher rates of aggressive breast cancer. NIH research shows women with high blood levels of PFOA have 67% higher risk of…
- Keywords: nih, pfoa, pfos, breast cancer, estrogen receptor negative, forever chemicals, texas, drinking water, federal study, Dallas Express
- Source: Dallas Express — https://dallasexpress.com/health/nih-links-two-forever-chemicals-to-higher-rates-of-aggressive-breast-cancer
- Author: Dallas Express
- Published: 2026-11-07T18:00:16+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: nih, pfoa, pfos, breast cancer, estrogen receptor negative, forever chemicals, 3m, texas, drinking water, federal study, news, politics
## NIH Study Finds Link
NIH researchers found women in highest PFOA exposure groups had 67% higher estimated rates of estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer.

> The results appeared two days after 3m announced a $7.35 billion agreement concerning pfas-related personal-injury claims.
## Study Methodology
The analysis used the NIH Sister Study with 50,884 women from 2003 to 2009, measuring 17 pfas chemicals in blood.
## Exposure Levels
Women with highest exposure had 93% higher rates of estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer for PFOS compared to lowest exposure groups.
## 3M Settlement
3M agreed to a $7.35 billion settlement for pfas-related personal-injury claims but did not list breast cancer as covered.
## Texas Legal Action
Texas sued 3M and DuPont-related businesses in 2024 over alleged misleading marketing of pfas-containing consumer products.
## Consumer Advice
EPA sets drinking-water limits of 4 parts per trillion for pfoa and pfos; residents can check water testing and use certified filters.
## Key takeaway

NIH research shows women with high blood levels of PFOA have 67% higher risk of estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer compared to low exposure groups.