Types of Cancers Caused by Camp Lejeune Water Contamination

Service members and their families stationed at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina from 1953 to 1987 were exposed to dangerously contaminated water. A recent study has shown that persons exposed to contaminated water are more likely to die from several types of cancer and a range of other infirmities, including Lou Gehrig's Disease, as a result of exposure to contaminated water.

Researchers have linked chemicals such as trichloroethylene and benzene, which are used as degreasers and dry-cleaning solvents, to the development of cancers. Both of these chemicals and other dangerous chemicals were found in the water at Camp Lejeune. Additionally, the children of Marines who were stationed at the camp during this time have experienced higher-than-average rates of lymphoma, leukemia, and neural tube defects.

Children exposed to significant levels of toxins in the water are more likely to develop cancer. Similarly, fetuses who were in utero during the relevant period who exposed to chemicals have been more likely to suffer birth defects. Service members and their loved ones who served at Camp Lejeune during these years must know about the risk for cancer and be vigilant about identifying symptoms.

Those stationed at Camp Lejeune have about a ten-percent higher risk of dying from any type of cancer than Marines stationed in California at Camp Pendleton. Specifically, Marines stationed at Camp Lejeune during the relevant time period they have a 47-percent higher risk of developing Hodgkin lymphoma, a 68-percent higher risk of developing multiple myeloma, a 32-percent higher risk of developing liver cancer, and a 35-percent higher risk of developing kidney cancer, according to a report.

Additionally, persons have double the risk of developing ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) who have been exposed to high levels of vinyl chloride. Some children born while a parent was stationed at Camp Lejeune have been diagnosed with rare conditions, such as aplastic anemia, an oral cleft birth defect, and spinal disorders, stemming from exposure to toxic water.

Service members who were exposed to toxic water are more likely than the general population to die from the following types of cancers:

• Liver;
• Esophageal;
• Cervix;
• Kidney;
• Multiple myeloma;
• Breast cancer ;
• Hodgkin lymphoma.

Liver cancer is among the most commonly associated cancers with contaminated drinking water. Like all cancers, liver cancer occurs when a person's cells mutate. The mutated cell does not contain the correct DNA to stop itself from reproducing. A person with cancer experiences a rabbit production of mutated cells that eventually form a tumor. In many cases, liver cancer is associated with alcoholism, but other factors, such as exposure to volatile organic compounds, can lead to liver cancer.

If you were stationed at Camp Lejeune during the relevant period, it is essential that you pay attention to the signs and symptoms of cancer. As with many types of cancer, the signs and symptoms of liver cancer do not necessarily show themselves during the early stages. As cancer progresses, the symptoms typically become more severe. Some of the most common symptoms of liver cancer include the following:

• Nausea and vomiting;
• Abdomen pain;
• Swelling in the abdomen;
• Jaundice;
• Pale stools;
• Decreased appetite;
• Unexpected weight loss.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, or other unexplained medical symptoms, you must discuss your symptoms with a doctor. Exposure to toxic chemicals at Camp Lejeune puts you at risk of developing cancer. The sooner you receive a diagnosis, the sooner you can begin receiving medical treatment. To pursue compensation from the federal government, you must prove that you have been diagnosed with a medical condition linked to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

A recent law has made it significantly easier for victims of contaminated water at Camp Lejeune to obtain compensation for all the damages related to their illnesses. Victims can bring a lawsuit directly against the federal government, but they have less than two years to do so. Discussing your claim with an attorney as soon as possible can help you protect your right to pursue compensation.

Lawsuits involving contamination require extensive investigation and medical expertise. At Arnold & Smith, PLLC, our attorneys will work with financial and medical experts to determine your future medical expenses so we can negotiate aggressively for the total compensation you deserve. If you have been diagnosed with cancer or another serious illness after being stationed at Camp Lejeune, our attorneys are here to help. Contact Arnold & Smith, PLLC, as soon as possible to schedule your free initial consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.