Camp Lejeune Rectal Cancer Lawsuit [2026 Update]

An increased risk of rectal cancer has been identified by medical professionals who’ve studied the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune as a particularly common diagnosis.

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) conducted many scientific studies on the Camp Lejeune water supply, and found that residents with long-term exposure suffered from higher rates of rectal cancer, prostate cancer, kidney cancer, liver cancer, and many other deadly forms of cancer.

About Rectal Cancer

The rectum is the lower part of the large intestine, located just above the anus.

Tumor growths in the rectum may be benign if they are localized.

In other words, they pose no threat and will not spread.

However, these tumors become malignant when they begin to metastasize or spread to other parts of the body.

Malignant rectal cancer can be debilitating and life-threatening.

Malignant rectal cancer cells can spread to parts of the body like the large intestine and colon.

Besides the colon, cancer cells from the rectum can also spread to the heart and lungs.

Based on several studies, rectal cancer can also spread to the peritoneum, which is the abdominal lining that protects organs like the stomach and intestines.

Rectal cancer has a high survival rate if it is localized: 90% of individuals survive rectal cancer if it has not spread to other parts of the body.

The survival rate of the disease decreases based on several factors. According to a 2022 study, older patients are more likely to suffer from complications, especially after surgery.

Cancer inside the rectum and cancer inside the colon are often grouped together as “Colorectal Cancer“.

Symptoms of rectal cancer may include:

• Blood in the stool or bleeding from the rectum
• Changes in bowel habits, such as persistent diarrhea or constipation
• Abdominal discomfort or pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• Weakness, fatigue

Rectal Cancer Complications

If rectal cancer is not promptly treated, it can lead to significant complications:

• Spread of cancer cells to other parts of the body (metastasis)
• Obstruction or blockage of the rectum or colon
• Bowel incontinence, the inability to control bowel movements

As with prostate cancer, it is important to note that the seriousness of rectal cancer should not be underestimated, even though treatment options and survival rates have improved over time.

It is recommended that individuals over the age of 50, or those with a family history of colorectal cancer, undergo regular screenings such as colonoscopies to detect and prevent rectal cancer.

The Camp Lejeune Water Lawsuit involves victims who lived or worked at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune for 30 days or more between 1953 and 1987.

During this time, the military personnel and their family members at Camp Lejeune were exposed to contaminated drinking water that contained several toxic chemicals linked to cancer and other serious health conditions.

The development of illnesses in Camp Lejeune veterans and their family members prompted an investigation into the water at Camp Lejeune.

An eight-year investigation led by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) uncovered more than 48,000 pounds of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the water supply.

After the investigation, the agencies involved — including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — attributed the development of rectal and other types of cancers to these volatile organic compounds.

Those exposed to the contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune were at an increased risk of developing rectal and colorectal cancer.

Those impacted by Camp Lejeune water contamination are not only those stationed at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.

Service members stationed at Marine Corps Air Station New River may have also been exposed to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other toxic substances in drinking water.

What Was the Source of Camp Lejeune Water Contamination?

Besides the relationship between the contaminated water and the injuries among the Camp Lejeune residents and veterans, the investigation uncovered the source of the toxic chemicals.

According to the investigation’s findings, the toxic chemicals that contaminated the water at Camp Lejeune originated from several dumping sites and water treatment plants in and around the camp.

With the water at Camp Lejeune linked to cancer, many filed their Camp Lejeune claims to recover VA health care benefits.

Unfortunately, the Department of Veterans Affairs denied a majority of these claims.

The rampant denial of claims prompted the passing of several laws to help Camp Lejeune victims.

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act: Providing a Path to Compensation for Camp Lejeune Victims

In 2022, Congress passed the Camp Lejeune Justice Act.

Under the act, victims can recover compensation by filing Camp Lejeune claims and subsequent lawsuits if their claims are unsuccessful within six months of submission.

The passing of the act was made possible by the hard work and advocacy of veterans and their family members, along with previous legislative attempts at justice such as the Camp Lejeune Families Act.

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act has triggered a surge of claims filed by thousands of victims and their Camp Lejeune attorneys.

Our law firm is representing and guiding many victims through the claims and legal process who have been exposed to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

If you were at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987, you may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune claim and seek compensation.

Contact our Camp Lejeune lawyers and let us help you recover your Camp Lejeune settlement.

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry identified four volatile organic compounds in Camp Lejeune’s contaminated water, along with up to seventy other toxic chemicals.

1. Tetrachloroethylene (PCE or PERC)

Tetrachloroethylene is a component of many dry cleaning agents and industrial solvents. It has been linked to several types of cancer, including rectal and bladder cancer.

2. Trichloroethylene (TCE)

TCE is used for degreasing machines and metal parts, in dry cleaning, as an industrial solvent, and in other commercial and industrial applications. Like tetrachloroethylene, trichloroethylene can cause certain types of cancer. Some of the cancers caused by trichloroethylene include non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and kidney cancer. Trichloroethylene can also affect the heart.

3. Vinyl Chloride

Vinyl chloride lines the surfaces of PVC pipes and wire coatings. This chemical compound is linked to several illnesses, including liver cancer, hepatic steatosis, lung cancer, and more.

4. Benzene

Benzene appears in many substances crucial for industrial operations. Based on a report prepared by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, benzene exposure leads to non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and multiple myeloma.

If you have developed rectal cancer from the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, you may be eligible to file a claim and take legal action.

As stated in the Veterans Administration release and the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, anybody who resided at the marine corps base for at least thirty (30) days, while the Camp Lejeune accident was occurring, may be eligible to file a claim.

This includes active duty and former service members, family members living on base, non-military staff, families of deceased, and even in-utero victims who were not yet born when their mother was residing at Camp Lejeune.

It’s important to note that if you were dishonorably discharged, you may not be eligible for disability benefits or disability compensation.

Families of dishonorably discharged military personnel are also not eligible to file suit or apply for benefits.

Gathering Evidence

Quality evidence is the cornerstone of any successful personal injury or mass tort case.

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.

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

Hiring A Lawyer And Assessing Damages

When you have gathered pieces of key evidence, a lawyer 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 are the total amount the defendant is liable to pay to the plaintiff to compensate for the damage that they have caused.

Damages in a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit may include:

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

Determining Liability

Camp Lejeune Lawyers will also establish liability in the case.

In a Camp Lejeune contamination case, the liable parties or defendants may include, but are not limited to:

• The federal government
• Other governmental or regulatory agencies
• Businesses that may have contributed to tainted water supplies
• Any other person or group that acted in a negligent manner that contributed to an injury or diagnosis

With the Senate passage of the PACT Act, and the final signature of the bill into law by President Biden, Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuits are able to be filed by any person exposed to contaminated water at the Marine Corps base between 1953 and 1987.

If you or a loved one was exposed to toxic water at Camp Lejeune between these dates, and meet other certain criteria, you may qualify to file a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation or use the chatbot on our website for a free case evaluation to see if you qualify instantly.

We thank the brave veterans for their service to our country.

Now let us serve you. Our law firm is dedicated to achieving justice for service members and their families.