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Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Facts
TorHoerman Law is no longer accepting claims for the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit.
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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:
- Journal of Occupational Medicine: Cancer Mortality in Female and Male Dry-Cleaning Workers
- International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health: Critical review of the epidemiological literature on occupational exposure to perchloroethylene and cancer
- Cancer Causes & Control: Cancer in relation to occupational exposure to perchloroethylene
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine: Occupation and small bowel adenocarcinoma: a European case-control study
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.
