AFFF Foam Cancer 101: Everything You Need to Know (2025)

For many years, aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) was a breakthrough firefighting tool, especially in industrial and military settings. However, recent studies raised concerns about the potential health risks associated with AFFF, which contains numerous “forever chemicals.”

AFFF foam cancer is one of the most concerning side effects you could face. In the following guide, you’ll learn the fundamentals of AFFF-related cancer. We explore the common types of cancer arising from AFFF exposure and potential resources available, such as VA benefits, for victims of those cancers.

Does AFFF Cause Cancer?

Science strongly supports the AFFF-cancer link. As indicated above, AFFF contains forever chemicals associated with cancer outcomes.

The National Cancer Institute’s Division of Cancer Epidemiology & Genetics discovered a strong link between exposure to PFAS and various cancers. In 2023, it upgraded PSAS to a human carcinogen. Another study proved the link between AFFF exposure and testicular cancer in Air Force service members who used AFFF.

Diseases most commonly tied to AFFF include kidney and testicular cancer. Others reported thyroid disease (hypo and hyperthyroidism) and ulcerative colitis. These conditions develop two to 15 years after first exposure when people have had five or more exposures over five years.

Common AFFF Foam Cancer Types

As lawsuits and studies continue, AFFF exposure continues to be associated with several cancer types, including:

Kidney Cancer

Studies describe a strong link between firefighters and kidney cancer. The cause is “occupational exposure,” including AFFF. Most claims in litigation involve kidney cancer, and many lawyers trying these cases believe their kidney cancer claims are the strongest.

Also known as renal cancer, early symptoms of kidney cancer include blood in the urine, abdominal lumps and back pain. If left untreated, it can move into the brain. Fortunately, it is often treatable if caught early, although patients face life-long impacts, including being dialysis dependent.

Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer is another condition strongly linked to AFFF exposure. It is an uncommon cancer but a leading claim in AFFF lawsuits.

The first symptom is a bump or lump on a testicle. If left untreated, it can spread throughout the body. However, it is also treatable, with surgery and chemotherapy being common treatments.

Unfortunately, surviving patients face lifelong hormonal challenges and infertility.

Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancer is one of the primary six illnesses focused on in the AFFF multidistrict litigation. Studies also link it to AFFF.

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland situated in the lower neck. It produces hormones that regulate body temperature, heart rate and weight.

Thyroid cancer doesn’t present symptoms early. Patients present with voice changes, neck swelling, and swallowing difficulties as cancer develops.

Improved imaging technology helps diagnose thyroid cancer early. CT and MRI scans are the most reliable devices for detecting it. Treatment is often effective, albeit disruptive to the patient.

AFFF is also linked to non-cancerous thyroid disease, hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s Disease.

Liver Cancer

The most common type of liver cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma, which embeds into liver cells. Other types are less common.

Most liver cancer spreads into the liver from other parts of the body, usually the breast, lung or colon. However, it can develop independently and is often painful. Patients report weakness, fatigue, nausea, swelling, yellow discoloration in skin and eyes, and appetite loss.

Other Possible AFFF Cancers

While the science is not nearly as direct with these cancers, they arise with AFFF claims. These less-common conditions include:

• Bladder cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Mesothelioma
• Leukemia
• Colorectal cancer

These cancers are not the primary focus of the multidistrict litigation and class action lawsuits concerning AFFF. However, if you developed one of them, you may still have a valid claim. Also, new studies continually emerge linking the PFAS in AFFF to cancers, and evidence may support a general link between AFFF and your cancer.

Have There Been Any Lawsuits for AFFF Cancer?

Yes. Firefighters, service members such as those in the Navy, and other workers exposed to AFFF filed claims against manufacturers. There are also wrongful death claims filed by survivors of those who perished from AFFF-linked cancers.

Rising Trends in AFFF Lawsuits Over Time

Over recent years, the number of new AFFF cases has shown a consistent and significant upward trend. In 2022, filings were relatively low but peaked mid-year before dropping toward the end. In 2023, there was a noticeable rise, particularly in the first half, with consistent growth through the summer, culminating in a huge number of 959 cases in July. The most dramatic increase occurred in 2024, with filings reaching record highs during spring and summer. These trends suggest growing public awareness of AFFF risks and stronger legal momentum driving more individuals to pursue claims.

What Can I Do if I Develop AFFF Cancer?

You may be entitled to compensation if you develop AFFF-related cancer. When you confirm your diagnosis, start documenting your history with AFFF and seek an attorney as soon as possible.

An attorney will help you understand your rights, gather facts to support your claim and initiate a suit against liable parties. They will consider these factors when preparing your case:

• The duration and frequency of exposure
• The severity of your symptoms
• The quality of the evidence

After assessing your case, they can begin to help you pursue compensation for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, and long-term effects of your cancer diagnosis.

ConsumerShield can help you find an attorney to pursue your AFFF cancer case. To get started, complete our online form.