PFOS Makes Colon Cancer Cells Grow and Spread Faster

PFOS exposure activates a gene that makes colorectal cancer cells grow faster and invade surrounding tissue more aggressively.

192 PFAS-Related Cancer Genes Found

Researchers cross-referenced PFAS toxicity data with colorectal cancer gene databases and found 192 genes that overlap between PFAS exposure and colorectal cancer, according to a 2026 study in Ecotoxicol Environ Saf.

They built a prognostic model using 15 of these genes. The model predicted patient survival in both training and validation datasets, and the risk score was an independent predictor of overall survival in colorectal cancer patients.

PFOS Turns on a Cancer Accelerator

One gene stood out: PRAME. It was overexpressed in colorectal cancer and correlated with worse outcomes. When researchers exposed colon cancer cells to PFOS, PRAME expression went up. The cancer cells then proliferated faster and invaded more aggressively through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway.

PFOS is one of the most common legacy PFAS chemicals, found in drinking water, food packaging, and nonstick cookware worldwide.

What You Can Do

Filter your water for PFAS. Ditch nonstick cookware. Avoid stain-resistant fabrics and grease-proof food wrappers. And explore non-toxic home essentials to reduce your PFAS exposure.

Also see non-toxic kitchen essentials for safer alternatives.

Source: Hao W, Chen X, Xin H, et al. (2026). Ecotoxicol Environ Saf.