Cervical Cancer Linked to Contaminated Drinking Water at Camp Lejeune

Water contamination at Camp Lejeune exposed more than a million people, including veterans, active duty military service members, family members, non-military service workers, and others.

Investigations into the contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune, organized by various agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), and the National Research Council (NRC), have identified more than 70 chemicals present in the Camp Lejeune water supply.

The four main contaminants in the water at Camp Lejeune were:

• Benzene
• Vinyl chloride
• Trichloroethylene (TCE)
• Tetrachloroethylene (PCE)

These chemicals are volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and have been linked to various cancers, including cervical cancer.

If you were among the Camp Lejeune veterans or residents present between 1953 and 1987, you may have been potentially exposed to the contaminated water.

Find out if you’re eligible to join the Camp Lejeune litigation now and contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page to instantly find out if you qualify for a Camp Lejeune Justice Act claim or Camp Lejeune Lawsuit.

About Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that affects a part of a woman’s reproductive system called the cervix.

The cervix is the lower part of the uterus (womb) that connects to the vagina.

Cervical cancer occurs when the cells in the cervix start to grow uncontrollably and form a tumor.

These abnormal cells can invade nearby tissues and, in some cases, spread to other parts of the body through a process called metastasis.

Cervical cancer can be fatal if it’s not detected and treated early.

Cervical Cancer Due to Toxic Exposure at Camp Lejeune

Toxic substances in the water at Camp Lejeune have been linked to several different types of cancer, including cervical cancer.

The link between cervical cancer and VOC exposure has been well-documented in various scientific studies.

In 2013, the Journal of the National Cancer Institute published a study about TCE and cancer risk.

Based on the study, TCE exposure increased the chances of liver and cervical cancer.

In 2000, a systematic review suggested the link between cervical cancer risk and TCE exposure.

According to the 2000 study, TCE was the VOC present in more than 80 published papers that linked cervical and liver cancer to VOC exposure.

The ATSDR also conducted its own investigations into the effects of certain VOCs and cervical cancer.

According to the ATSDR’s findings, cervical cancer was one of the types of cancer correlated with prolonged exposure to VOCs in Camp Lejeune’s contaminated water supply.

Studies have shown that VOC exposure will make it more likely for individuals to develop cervical cancer.

Other Causes of Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer can have various causes.

According to the Mayo Clinic, most cervical cancer cases are the result of persistent high-risk HPV (human papillomavirus) infections.

When high-risk types of HPV infect a person, the virus can enter the cells of the cervix.

In some cases, HPV infection induces changes in cervical cells.

While the body’s immune system resolves most of these changes, persistent infections can lead to the development of abnormal cells over many years, ultimately forming a cancerous tumor in the cervix.

Other potential causes of cervical cancer include smoking, immune system deficiencies, certain contraceptives, and more.

Cervical Cancer Complications

Cervical cancer can lead to several complications, especially if it advances without early detection and treatment.

As the cancerous tumor in the cervix progresses, it can invade nearby tissues, including the uterus, bladder, rectum, and pelvic wall, causing issues like pain, difficulties with bowel or bladder function, and potentially kidney problems if the ureters become blocked.

In advanced stages, cervical cancer can metastasize to distant parts of the body such as the lungs, liver, and bones, resulting in various symptoms and complications.

Complications of cervical cancer may include:

• Kidney Failure: Cancerous tumors can block the flow of urine from the kidneys to the bladder, leading to kidney damage or failure.
• Blood Clots: Cervical cancer increases the risk of blood clots in the legs, which can travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolism).
• Lymphedema: Swelling can occur in the legs if the cancer spreads to lymph nodes and blocks the normal drainage of lymphatic fluid.
• Chronic Pain: Advanced cervical cancer can lead to persistent pain in the pelvis, back, or legs.
• Bowel Obstruction: Cervical cancer can block the intestines if it spreads or grows large.
• Vaginal Fistulas: Rarely, advanced cervical cancer can create a hole between the vagina and the rectum (rectovaginal fistula) or between the vagina and the bladder (vesicovaginal fistula), leading to leakage of feces or urine into the vagina.
• Anemia: Due to abnormal vaginal bleeding or the cancer’s impact on the bone marrow.
• Sexual Dysfunction: Treatment or the disease itself can lead to changes in sexual desire, response, or function.
• Infertility: Certain treatments for cervical cancer can result in the inability to have children.
• Complications from Treatment: Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination of treatments can lead to side effects and complications such as infections, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, or damage to surrounding organs.
• Emotional and Psychological Impact: Diagnosis and treatment can lead to depression, anxiety, fear of recurrence, and other emotional challenges.

Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Overview

The water supply at Camp Lejeune was contaminated with a lethal amount of volatile organic compounds.

Veterans exposed to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune have reported numerous injuries, and family members, civilian workers, private contractors, and others exposed to Camp Lejeune water contamination have suffered just as much.

For too long, Camp Lejeune victims suffered without any recourse.

The military knew about Camp Lejeune water contamination, but failed to protect veterans, family members, and others.

Victims of Camp Lejeune water contamination have been advocating for change for decades, and some laws have been passed to provide relief.

The Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012 afforded some Camp Lejeune veterans and family members expanded VA health care benefits, disability compensation, and other forms of relief.

It wasn’t until the enactment of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 that people exposed to water contamination at Camp Lejeune were able to pursue compensation claims against the government.

Under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, victims who lived or worked at the Marine Corps base between 1953 and 1987 may be eligible to pursue compensation through the Camp Lejeune administrative claims process or Camp Lejeune litigation.

The Navy’s Tort Claims Unit (TCU) will promptly review compensation claims.

If compensation claims are not adjudicated within six months, victims may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit in the US District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina.

Since the passing of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, numerous Camp Lejeune lawsuits have been initiated, and additional victims have joined the legal proceedings.

If you or a loved one were exposed to the contaminated Camp Lejeune water supply between 1953 and 1987 and subsequently experienced health issues, you may be eligible for a Camp Lejeune lawsuit.

Contact our Camp Lejeune attorneys today for a free consultation.

Use the chatbot on the page to find out if you qualify to file a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit.

Adverse Health Effects of Camp Lejeune Water Contamination

The consumption of Camp Lejeune contaminated water has been linked to several cancer and non-cancer diagnoses.

Certain cancer diagnoses potentially linked to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune include:

• Bladder Cancer
• Breast Cancer
• Esophageal Cancer
• Kidney Cancer
• Leukemia
• Lung Cancer
• Multiple Myeloma
• Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
• Prostate Cancer
• Colorectal Cancer
• Rectal Cancer
• Pancreatic Cancer
• Central Nervous System Cancer
• Myelodysplastic Syndromes
• Brain Cancer
• Cervical Cancer
• Ovarian Cancer
• Appendix Cancer
• Bile Duct Cancer
• Gallbladder Cancer
• Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
• Intestinal Cancer
• Sinus Cancer
• Soft Tissue Sarcoma
• Spinal Cancer
• Thyroid Cancer

Non-cancer diagnoses suffered by Camp Lejeune victims include:

• Hepatic Steatosis
• Miscarriage & Fetal Death
• Neurobehavioral Effects
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Aplastic Anemia
• Kidney Disease
• Scleroderma
• ALS
• Lupus
• Epilepsy
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Cardiac Birth Defects
• Infertility
• Renal Toxicity
• Autoimmune Disease
• Birth Defects
• Liver Disease
• Cognitive Disability
• Microcephaly
• Renal Disease
• Tooth Decay
• Hypersensitive Skin Disorder
• Nerve Damage
• Oral Cleft

Service members, their families, civilian workers, and countless others were diagnosed with deadly health conditions, and for years they could not secure the benefits they desperately needed.

Health Conditions with a Presumptive Service Connection

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) released a list of health conditions that have a “presumptive service connection”, meaning the VA will presume that these certain health conditions have been caused by toxic exposure to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune.

The VA presumptive service connection list of injuries for Camp Lejeune are:

• Adult leukemia
• Aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes
• Bladder cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Liver cancer
• Multiple myeloma
• Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
• Parkinson’s disease

What Toxic Substances Were Found in the Water Supply at Camp Lejeune?

The ATSDR identified more than 70 VOCs in the contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune. However, four were seen to be in the highest concentrations.

The main toxic substances found in the water at Camp Lejeune were:

• Trichloroethylene (TCE)
• Tetrachloroethylene (PCE)
• Benzene
• Vinyl chloride

Benzene and TCE are the two hazardous chemicals linked to many cases of cervical cancer.

If you’ve developed cervical cancer and were denied disability compensation or other VA health care benefits in the past, reach out now.

You can also use the chatbot on this page to determine your eligibility instantly.

Do You Qualify for the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit?

Under the PACT Act and Camp Lejeune Justice Act, those exposed to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune can pursue compensation for illnesses and wrongful death associated with exposure.

If you or a loved one were exposed to water contamination at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987, you may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit instantly.

Working with qualified law firms for Camp Lejeune Justice Act claims can help secure adequate compensation for what you’ve been through.

Having experienced Camp Lejeune attorneys on your side can also help you if your claim is not adjudicated by the Navy’s Tort Claims Unit.

Camp Lejeune lawyers can help victims complete the steps necessary to filing Camp Lejeune claims, including gathering evidence and assessing damages.

Gathering Evidence for Camp Lejeune Claims

Evidence is extremely important for Camp Lejeune claims.

Evidence relating to water contamination can include a number of documents relating to your or a loved one’s time spent at the marine corps base.

This is a step of the process you can begin on your own, but experienced Camp Lejeune attorneys can help you gather and retain evidence to be used in your compensation claims.

Evidence in a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit may include:

• Documents proving residence at Camp Lejeune
• Military service records indicating dates and locations served
• Medical records and diagnoses
• Medical bills
• Travel records
• Health care information
• Records on disability benefits or VA compensation benefits

Assessing Damages for Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Claims

Camp Lejeune lawyers will help you to refine your case and assess damages.

Damages are any losses, both physical and mental/emotional, that a person incurs as a result of an injury at no fault of their own.

Damages in a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit may include:

• Medical bills
• Pain and suffering
• Lost wages
• Disability benefits
• Loss of companionship, consortium, enjoyment of life, and earning capacity
• Permanent disability

TorHoerman Law: Your Camp Lejeune Lawyers

Water contamination at Camp Lejeune resulted in cancer diagnoses, health problems, and deaths of countless people.

Camp Lejeune victims went decades without proper relief and compensation for what they’ve experienced.

The federal government has enacted the Camp Lejeune Justice Act as a way to compensate those who’ve been impacted by the toxic substances in the water at Camp Lejeune.

If you or a loved one were exposed to water contamination at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987, you may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit.

Contact the Camp Lejeune attorneys at TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for the Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit instantly.

Our attorneys have decades of experience helping victims of toxic exposure seek justice.

Reach out to our legal team with any questions you may have about the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, why hiring experienced Camp Lejeune lawyers can help, and more.