Intestinal Cancer Linked to Contaminated Drinking Water at Camp Lejeune
Exposure to Camp Lejeune water contamination resulted in a various types of cancer, neurological disorders, birth defects, and more.
Several studies suggest that exposure to environmental toxins, such as the toxic chemicals in the Camp Lejeune water supply, can lead to the development of intestinal cancer.
Although intestinal cancer is not listed on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) list of health conditions with a presumptive service connection to Camp Lejeune water contamination, you are still encouraged to pursue Camp Lejeune Lawsuits for this diagnosis.
If you or a loved one were exposed to Camp Lejeune water contamination and developed intestinal cancer, you may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit claim.
Contact TorHoerman Law’s team of Camp Lejeune lawyers for more information and a free consultation.
About Intestinal Cancer
Intestinal cancer, also known as small intestine cancer, is a rare type of gastrointestinal cancer.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, this rare cancer type only makes up 3% of all gastrointestinal cancer cases in the United States.
Its counterpart, colon cancer (large intestine cancer), is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the country.
In contrast, individuals have a 5% chance of developing rectal cancer.
According to the National Cancer Institute, there are five types of small intestine cancer:
- Adenocarcinoma
- Sarcoma
- Neuroendocrine Tumors
- Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor
- Lymphoma
Intestinal Cancer and Exposure to Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) at Camp Lejeune
Exposure to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune is a possible risk factor for intestinal cancer.
From the 1950s to the 1980s, thousands of Marines and their families were exposed to toxic chemicals, including benzene, trichloroethylene, and tetrachloroethylene, which have been linked to various health problems, including intestinal cancer.
Studies have linked exposure to tetrachloroethylene (PCE) specifically to an increased risk for intestinal cancers:
Intestinal Cancer and Its Causes
While the exact causes of intestinal cancer remain complex and multifactorial, several risk factors have been identified.
This type of cancer is commonly inherited from parents or their ancestors.
Oftentimes, a genetic mutation causes the likelihood of developing this rare disease.
In terms of detection, colon cancer screening tests could lead the healthcare provider in the right direction.
Some of the most common intestinal and colon cancer risk factors include:
- Age: Advanced age is a significant risk factor, as most cases of intestinal and colorectal cancer occur in individuals over 50.
- Family History: A family history of gastrointestinal cancer can increase colon cancer risk, suggesting a genetic component.
- Diet: A diet rich in red and processed meats, low in fiber, and high in saturated fats may elevate the risk of developing colon cancer and intestinal cancer. Individuals are also encouraged to maintain a healthy weight.
- Physical Inactivity: Intestinal and colon cancer develops from a lack of physical activity.
- Smoking and Alcohol: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can catalyze the formation of cancer cells. Smokers and drinkers are more likely to develop colon cancer and intestinal cancer.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis increase the risk of intestinal cancer development.
Intestinal Cancer Complications
Intestinal cancer can lead to various complications, emphasizing the importance of early detection and treatment.
Some of the primary complications associated with intestinal cancer include:
- Metastasis: Intestinal cancer often metastasizes to other organs. When cancer spreads, it can be much harder to treat.
- Bowel Problems: Tumor growth in the colon or rectum can obstruct bowel habits, causing severe abdominal pain, constipation, and bowel obstruction.
- Bleeding: Colorectal tumors may bleed, resulting in anemia, melena (black, tarry stools), or hematochezia (bright red blood in stools).
- Perforation: In advanced stages, intestinal cancer can perforate the bowel wall, leading to life-threatening peritonitis.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Bowel obstruction and changes in the digestive system can lead to malabsorption and nutritional deficiencies.
- Psychological Impact: A diagnosis of intestinal cancer can affect an individual’s mental health, leading to anxiety and depression.
Efforts to raise awareness, improve early detection, and support affected individuals are essential in the ongoing battle against cancer.
These steps are all key to prevent colon cancer and intestinal cancer.
Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Overview
Camp Lejeune’s water supply was contaminated with highly toxic substances that have been known to cause cancer and other health issues.
While the water at Camp Lejeune was known to be contaminated, the federal government did nothing to intervene.
Efforts from Camp Lejeune victims have resulted in multiple pieces of legislation aimed to expand VA health care benefits, disability compensation, and other forms of relief for those who’ve been impacted, one of these pieces being the Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, signed into law by President Biden, allows Camp Lejeune victims to pursue compensation claims for their health problems and related damages.
The Camp Lejeune administrative claims process involves submitting compensation claims to the Navy’s Tort Claims Unit.
The Navy TCU will promptly review compensation claims and assess victims’ eligibility for Camp Lejeune settlements.
If Camp Lejeune claims are not adjudicated within six months, victims may be eligible to file Camp Lejeune Lawsuits in the US District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina.
Experienced Camp Lejeune lawyers can help victims through the Camp Lejeune administrative claims process and subsequent Camp Lejeune Lawsuits.
If you or a loved one were exposed to Camp Lejeune water contamination 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.
Health Conditions Linked to Water Contamination at Camp Lejeune
The consumption of Camp Lejeune contaminated water has been linked to a number of 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, could not secure the benefits they desperately needed.
What Toxic Substances Were Found in the Water Supply at Camp Lejeune?
One of the primary sources of Camp Lejeune water contamination was an off-base dry cleaning business located near Tarawa Terrace.
Most of the VOCs found in the water wells are derivatives of the chemicals found in dry cleaning solutions.
The four main toxic substances found in the water at Camp Lejeune were:
- Trichloroethylene (TCE)
- Perchloroethylene or Tetrachloroethylene (PCE)
- Vinyl Chloride
- Benzene
More chemicals were discovered in the affected water treatment supplies, but these four were found at larger concentrations and are the most clinically significant.
Do You Qualify for the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit?
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act provides a legal avenue for individuals who developed certain health conditions, including various forms of intestinal cancer, due to exposure to contaminated water at the U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.
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.
Experienced Camp Lejeune lawyers will help victims complete the steps necessary to filing claims and pursuing compensation.
A part of this process includes gathering evidence and assessing damages.
Gathering Evidence for Camp Lejeune Claims
Gathering evidence is a critical step in filing a Camp Lejeune lawsuit.
This is a part of the process that victims can begin on their own, but experienced Camp Lejeune lawyers can help you gather and retain evidence crucial to your case.
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
Damages refer to the total amount of losses, economic and non-economic, incurred as a result of exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.
Potential damages in Camp Lejeune claims may include:
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Disability benefits
- Loss of companionship, consortium, enjoyment of life, and earning capacity
- Permanent disability
- Wrongful death
TorHoerman Law: Your Camp Lejeune Lawyers
Navigating the complexities of a Camp Lejeune lawsuit can be challenging.
Experienced Camp Lejeune lawyers and staff at law firms can help Camp Lejeune victims seek compensation for what they’ve been through.
Our team is dedicated to helping individuals and families affected by Camp Lejeune water contamination seek justice and fair compensation.
With significant experience handling Camp Lejeune cases, TorHoerman Law can assist you in gathering the necessary evidence and advocating for your rights.
If you or a loved one were exposed to Camp Lejeune water contamination between 1953 and 1987, you may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit.
Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify to join others in filing Camp Lejeune Lawsuits.
Our attorneys have decades of experience helping people who’ve been exposed to toxic chemicals seek justice.
We understand what you’ve been through, and we are prepared to represent you.
Contact us for more information.
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