As a rare disease, testicular cancer occurs in 1 out of 250 men, and the average diagnosis age is 33. While there are many risk factors for testicular cancer, including abnormal cells in the testicle and a family history of the disease, a more obscure one is toxic exposure. Veterans who were stationed at contaminated military bases are now at high risk of developing testicular cancer due to exposure to PFAS and other toxic substances. More specifically, exposure to PFOA has a strong association with testicular cancer, as it can significantly increase the risk of this disease.
It is important to note that military, as well as civilian firefighters are particularly at risk of developing testicular cancer, having a 5% higher risk than the general population. This is because they regularly used AFFF, a fire suppressant containing up to 98% PFAS.
Nevertheless, exposure to various solvents was also found to increase the risk of testicular cancer. According to a study, the average relative increase in cancer risk per 10ng/mL increase in serum PFOA is 3% for testicular cancer. Still, a definitive association could not be established because there are not many studies on PFAS exposure and testicular cancer.
If you spent time at a contaminated military base and suspect you have testicular cancer, these are the symptoms you should be on the lookout for:
Another study found a significant exposure-response trend for aliphatic and alicyclic solvents, pesticides, and organic solvents when it comes to testicular cancer. These harmful chemicals lurked on numerous military bases during the last century, inevitably causing toxic exposure among service members. The researchers in this study found a connection between exposure to these toxic agents and seminoma, the most common testicular cancer type. It is important to note that testicular cancer has a latency of 15 years when it is caused by PFAS exposure, but it can be shorter for more aggressive cancer types.
Finally, firefighters are twice as likely to develop testicular cancer due to their frequent use of AFFF. If you struggle with this disease and were stationed at one or more military bases with known toxic contamination, we encourage you to contact our expert team, as we can help you figure out whether you are entitled to financial compensation. Veterans can also have a VA claim filed to obtain disability compensation if they qualify.
In the unfortunate situation that you were exposed to PFAS and other hazardous agents on military bases and came to struggle with testicular cancer, you should contact Atraxia Law, as we have over 35 years of experience in evaluating toxic exposure claims. The process will require minimal involvement on your part, as we understand how overwhelming suffering from cancer can be. We will only need your military records and/or your medical records.
Following a thorough assessment of your case, we will determine whether you are entitled to financial compensation. If you are, we will quickly direct you to a specialized attorney so you can have your military base toxic exposure claim filed as soon as possible. Veterans who are too ill to participate in the process can have a family member help them, and our compassionate team will also take care of the most complex aspects on their behalf.