Elevated levels of perfluoroalkyl substances in breast cancer patients within the Greater Manila Area

Several studies have reported exposure of humans to various endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) worldwide. However, there is a lack of data regarding EDC exposures in humans living in Southeast Asian countries, such as the Philippines. Hence, this study measured levels of 41 EDCs in women residing in the Greater Manila Area, home to the second largest city in Southeast Asia. Urine samples from women with versus without breast cancer were analyzed for 11 phthalate metabolites, 8 environmental phenols, and 10 bisphenols, while serum samples were analyzed for 12 perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Out of the four groups of EDCs analyzed, PFAS were significantly associated with breast cancer (adjusted OR = 13.63, 95% CI: 3.24-94.88 p-trend = 0.001 for PFDoA; adjusted OR = 9.26, 95% CI 2.54-45.10, p-trend = 0.002 for PFDA; and adjusted OR = 2.66, 95% CI: 0.95-7.66, p-trend = 0.004 for PFHxA). Long-chain PFAS levels were positively correlated with age and were significantly higher in women from Region IV-A, a heavily industrialized region, than from the National Capital Region. Overall, this study showed baseline information regarding the level of EDCs in Filipinas, providing a glimpse of EDC exposure in women living in a megalopolis city in Southeast Asia.

Automated summary

This study found that perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were significantly associated with breast cancer risk in women living in the Greater Manila Area of the Philippines. Long-chain PFAS levels were positively correlated with age and were significantly higher in women from the heavily industrialized Region IV-A compared to the National Capital Region.