Ovarian Cancer Linked to Contaminated Drinking Water at Camp Lejeune

Between 1953 and 1987, various agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) discovered various volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in Camp Lejeune’s water.

These toxic substances have been linked to various types of illnesses, ranging from cancers to non-cancer ailments and autoimmune conditions.

Ovarian cancer has been linked to the contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune.

If you’ve developed ovarian cancer and were exposed to Camp Lejeune’s contaminated water supply, you may be eligible to join the Camp Lejeune litigation.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation. You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify.

About Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the ovaries, which are part of the female reproductive system.

These small, almond-shaped organs are responsible for producing eggs and female hormones like estrogen and progesterone.

Ovarian cancer begins whenever abnormal cells begin to grow.

When abnormal cells in the ovaries enlarge uncontrollably, they can form a tumor, leading to ovarian cancer.

Ovarian Cancer and Camp Lejeune Water Contamination

Ovarian cancer is one of many cancers associated with specific VOCs in the contaminated Camp Lejeune water.

In particular, trichloroethylene (TCE) and tetrachloroethylene (PCE) were identified as the main VOCs behind many ovarian cancers, as highlighted by a systematic review.

According to the review, exposure to these VOCs proved to be one of the salient risk factors for the development of various cancers, from breast cancer to ovarian and uterine cancer.

A study conducted by the American Cancer Society also attributed ovarian cancer to prolonged exposure to VOCs, particularly benzene.

According to the study, the long-term effects of benzene exposure included damage to the female reproductive system, specifically to the ovaries and fallopian tubes.

The damage causes abnormal cells to proliferate, causing ovarian cancer later on.

It’s important to note that benzene is one of the four high-concentration chemicals found in Camp Lejeune’s water supply.

Other VOCs identified in Camp Lejeune’s water supply include trichloroethylene (TCE), tetrachloroethylene (PCE), and vinyl chloride.

All of these chemicals are known carcinogens, according to the ATSDR and the National Cancer Institute.

Other Causes of and Risk Factors for Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancers develop due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors, according to the American Cancer Society.

Potential causes and risk factors associated with ovarian cancer include:

• Age: Ovarian cancer is more common in postmenopausal women, though it can occur at any age.
• Inherited Gene Mutations: Such as BRCA1 and BRCA2.
• Family History: Women with close relatives (such as mother, sister, daughter) who have had ovarian cancer are at an increased risk.
• Endometriosis: Women with endometriosis might have an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer.
• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Some studies suggest that women using HRT after menopause have an increased risk of ovarian cancer.
• Fertility Treatment: Some studies suggest an increased risk of ovarian tumors in women who have used fertility drugs.
• Use of Talcum Powder: The use of Talcum Powder has been linked to an increased risk for Ovarian Cancer.
• Previous Cancer: Women who have had breast, colorectal, or cervical cancer have an increased risk of ovarian cancer.
• Obesity: Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of many cancers, including ovarian cancer.

Ovarian Cancer Complications

Ovarian cancer can lead to various complications, affecting both physical and emotional well-being.

If left untreated, ovarian cancers can progress into the following complications:

• Spread of the Cancer (Metastasis): Ovarian cancer can spread to other parts of the body, including the liver, lungs, and bones.
• Ascites: Accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity, leading to swelling and discomfort.
• Bowel Obstruction: The cancer may block parts of the intestine, causing pain, nausea, and vomiting.
• Pleural Effusion: Accumulation of fluid in the space surrounding the lungs, causing shortness of breath.
• Kidney Function Impairment: The tumor can block the flow of urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
• Malnutrition and Weight Loss: As the cancer progresses, it may become difficult for the body to process nutrients, leading to weight loss and malnutrition.
• Chronic Pain: Chronic pain can occur in the pelvic region or other areas if the cancer has spread.
• Blood Clots: There’s an increased risk of developing blood clots in the legs, which can travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolism).
• Anemia: Due to abnormal vaginal bleeding or the impact of the tumor on the bone marrow.
• Lymphedema: Swelling can occur in the legs if the cancer affects lymph nodes and blocks the normal drainage of lymphatic fluid.
• Recurrent Ovarian Cancer: Even after treatment, ovarian cancer can come back.
• Complications from Treatment: Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation can lead to various side effects and complications, ranging from infections to fatigue.

It’s important for patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer to work closely with their healthcare providers to monitor and manage potential complications and to receive appropriate supportive care.

Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Overview

Toxic chemicals infiltrated the Camp Lejeune water supply for over 30 years, from approximately 1953 to 1987.

The water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune contained harmful chemicals like trichloroethylene (TCE), benzene, and vinyl chloride, which are associated with severe health issues such as ovarian cancer, birth defects, and neurological disorders.

For years, Camp Lejeune victims suffered without any official form of recourse.

Legislation such as the Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012 secured expanded VA health care benefits and disability compensation for some victims, but many others faced denials.

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, signed into law by President Biden in August 2022, allows victims to file compensation claims for exposure and health problems related to Camp Lejeune water contamination.

The Navy’s Tort Claims Unit will promptly review compensation claims and deliver a determination on a person’s eligibility for compensation demanded.

If the Navy TCU does not adjudicate a Camp Lejeune claim within six months, victims may be eligible to pursue a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit in the US District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina.

Since the act’s passing, thousands of active-duty personnel, National Guard members, and their family members have filed Camp Lejeune claims.

If you or a loved one lived or worked at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 and were exposed to the contaminated water, you may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune claim.

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 Lawsuit instantly.

What Health Conditions Has Water Contamination at Camp Lejeune Been Linked To?

The consumption of Camp Lejeune contaminated water has been linked to many 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.

What Caused Water Contamination at Camp Lejeune?

Camp Lejeune’s water contamination resulted from various sources, including leaks from underground storage tanks, waste disposal sites, and commercial activities.

Consequently, the water supplied to base housing and other structures contained volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

These VOCs included dry cleaning solvents and at least 70 other dangerous chemicals.

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

Four toxic chemicals were found to be in the highest concentrations:

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

All of these chemicals are known carcinogens, according to the ATSDR.

Exposure to these toxic chemicals can put individuals and families at an increased risk for developing various cancers, including ovarian cancer.

Do You Qualify for the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit?

According to the PACT Act and the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, individuals affected by the water contamination at Camp Lejeune have the right to seek financial restitution for health issues and wrongful death due to exposure.

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

Reach out to TorHoerman Law for a free, no-obligation consultation.

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

Working with law firms and Camp Lejeune lawyers who have experience with the Camp Lejeune Justice Act can help you secure rightful compensation for what you’ve endured.

Attorneys familiar with Camp Lejeune cases can guide victims through the claim process, collecting crucial evidence and evaluating potential 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 has been linked to a number of health conditions, including several types of cancer, neurological effects, birth defects, and more.

Camp Lejeune victims can now pursue compensation for what they’ve experienced.

If you or a loved one were exposed to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987, you may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune Justice Act claim or 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 water contamination lawsuit instantly.

Our Camp Lejeune lawyers have decades of experience helping victims secure compensation for exposure to toxic chemicals.

Camp Lejeune veterans and victims have waited far too long for justice, and our Camp Lejeune lawyers are here to help them pursue compensation they rightfully deserve.

Reach out to us for more information.