linked to cancers and damage to immune systems

[GoodTaste]

Several PFASs are now known to be toxic. They have been linked to cancers and damage to immune systems, and are now banned under national and international laws. Most PFASs, however, have not yet undergone toxicology assessments or been linked to health harms.

Source: Nature

Why does the author use "cancers and damage", rather than "cancer and damages", in the sentence "... linked to cancers and damage to immune systems"?
My understanding is that the author means "some cancers and general damage..." I am not sure I am on the right track.
Why?

 

[emsr2d2]

"Damage" here is general and, therefore, uncountable.

PFAs have been linked to cancers, and they have been linked to damage to immune systems.

 

[jutfrank]

My understanding is that the author means "some cancers and general damage..."

That's right.