Exploring the Potential Link between PFAS Exposure and Endometrial Cancer: A Review of Environmental and Sociodemographic Factors.

Simple Summary: This exploratory narrative review investigates the association between exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), sociodemographic factors, stressors, and endometrial cancer risk. It explores the diverse sources of PFAS exposure and examines the role of income, education, occupation, ethnicity, and geographic location in influencing exposure levels and cancer risk. The review finds significant correlations between these sociodemographic factors and both PFAS exposure and endometrial cancer risk. It emphasizes the need for further interdisciplinary research and targeted interventions to understand and address these complex relationships, highlighting the importance of addressing health disparities for effective disease prevention and management. This exploratory narrative review paper delves into the intricate interplay between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure, sociodemographic factors, and the influence of stressors in the context of endometrial cancer. PFAS, ubiquitous environmental contaminants notorious for their persistence in the ecosystem, have garnered attention for their potential to disrupt endocrine systems and provoke immune responses. We comprehensively examine the various sources of PFAS exposure, encompassing household items, water, air, and soil, thus shedding light on the multifaceted routes through which individuals encounter these compounds. Furthermore, we explore the influence of sociodemographic factors, such as income, education, occupation, ethnicity/race, and geographical location and their relationship to endometrial cancer risk. We also investigated the role of stress on PFAS exposure and endometrial cancer risk. The results revealed a significant impact of sociodemographic factors on both PFAS levels and endometrial cancer risk. Stress emerged as a notable contributing factor influencing PFAS exposure and the development of endometrial cancer, further emphasizing the importance of stress management practices for overall well-being. By synthesizing evidence from diverse fields, this review underscores the need for interdisciplinary research and targeted interventions to comprehensively address the complex relationship between PFAS, sociodemographic factors, stressors, and endometrial cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]