Camp Lejeune: Esophageal cancer claims

Camp Lejeune: Esophageal cancer claims video

While esophageal cancer is often the result of tobacco smoking, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and excessive alcohol consumption, it can also be caused by toxic exposure on military bases. During the last century, between 1953 and 1987, numerous harmful solvents, including trichloroethylene and perchloroethylene, lurked in the drinking water at Camp Lejeune, endangering the health of service members. Benzene exposure was also a cause for concern at the military base. If you are a veteran who spent at least one month at Camp Lejeune while the drinking water was contaminated and now struggle with esophageal cancer, we encourage you to contact our law firm, as you might be entitled to compensation.

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Benzene exposure might contribute to the development of esophageal cancer in veterans

Esophageal cancer

Esophageal irritation is the main risk factor for cancer, and it can occur as a result of smoking, GERD, but also exposure to toxic chemicals on military bases such as Camp Lejeune Over 21,500 people develop esophageal cancer nationwide annually, most of whom are men. The lifetime risk of esophageal cancer is 1 in 125 in men and 1 in 417 in women. Warning signs of esophageal cancer are:

  • persistent chest pain
  • difficulty swallowing
  • a lingering cough
  • hoarseness
  • unexplained weight loss
  • frequent vomiting

Esophageal cancer has a grim prognosis, with a survival rate of only 20%. For this reason, if you experience any of the above symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Still, when esophageal cancer is found in the early phases, the survival rate can rise up to 47%. While it is still low compared to the survival rate of other cancers, timely diagnosis is essential, as treatment will be more effective, and the patient will have a significantly greater life quality.

Another recent study from the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health examined 36 patients with esophageal cancer. Most of the participants were men and smokers, but they had also been exposed to asbestos and solvents in occupational settings. Over 30% of the patients had a history of asbestos exposure, which is another known factor for esophageal cancer. Asbestos was also present at Camp Lejeune in various areas of the military base. The second most frequent type of exposure was to hydrocarbons and their derivatives.

Harmful agents that may contribute to the development of esophageal cancer

Furthermore, seven patients had regularly come into contact with benzene by handling fuel with occupational work tasks; four patients reported using chlorinated solvents during cleaning and degreasing operations, with one using these chemicals in the textile industry.

In addition to the lifestyle risk factors the participants had, exposure to these harmful agents might have contributed to their esophageal cancer. Therefore, the researchers found these toxins, which were present in the drinking water at Camp Lejeune, to increase esophageal cancer risk:

  • benzene
  • trichloroethylene
  • perchloroethylene

Our experienced attorneys will help you file your Camp Lejeune water contamination claim for esophageal cancer

With over 30 years of experience, our attorneys are ready to help you determine whether you are eligible to file a Camp Lejeune toxic water claim if you are a veteran who struggles with esophageal cancer. To initiate the legal process, which is fast and simple, you will only have to send in your military records, which you must retrieve, and your medical records. After a careful assessment of these documents, we will let you know if you are entitled to financial compensation from the VA or from the government.

Veterans who are too ill to participate in the legal process can ask a family member to assist them in navigating the steps, and our compassionate team will also do all in its power to help ease the process for you by taking care of the most challenging aspects. This way, you will be able to continue focusing on your health and treatment. Our resourceful attorneys will go to great lengths to obtain the most favorable outcome for your case. If you were stationed at other military bases and have esophageal cancer, we might also be able to help you file a claim.