Camp Lejeune Prostate Cancer

“Prostate cancer begins when cells in the prostate gland start to grow out of control,” says the American Cancer Society. ⁽¹⁾

Prostate Cancer Symptoms

There are several symptoms of prostate cancer, but these vary. Some men may not experience any symptoms. ⁽²⁾

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes common symptoms of prostate cancer include problematic urination and erectile disfunction. Still other symptoms may surprise you, such as persistent back, hip, or pelvic pain. ⁽³⁾

What Caused Prostate Cancer from Camp Lejeune?

The connection between prostate cancer and Camp Lejeune focuses on the increased risks of toxic exposure through contaminated water.

In the case of Camp Lejeune, exposure to the toxic chemicals came from the groundwater supplying the base and surrounding areas. This included water used for drinking and bathing. ⁽⁴⁾

To associate a prostate cancer diagnosis with exposure to contaminated water, you need to examine the side effects of several chemicals. Toxic chemicals in the water at Camp Lejeune included trichloroethylene (TCE), tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene or PCE), vinyl chloride, and benzene. ⁽⁵⁾

Of these chemicals, TCE is one of the most tested for. It is linked with prostate cancer.

TCE Exposure

TCE is a known carcinogen. It is carcinogenic to humans “by all routes of exposure” according to an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report. ⁽⁶⁾

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) also reports prostate cancer as one of the adverse health effects. In at least one study, it notes evidence of causation from exposure to TCE, PCE, or both. ⁽⁷⁾ “ATSDR concludes that there is some evidence for a positive association between TCE and prostate cancer.” ⁽⁸⁾

“Studies found that occupational exposure to TCE was associated with excess incidences of liver cancer, kidney cancer, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, prostate cancer, and multiple myeloma,” states the National Toxicology Program Report on Carcinogens ⁽⁹⁾

Cumulative Effect of Toxic Chemicals

Toxic chemical exposure has a cumulative effect. The more you are exposed, the higher the risk. One study found higher rates of prostate cancer among “the Camp Lejeune civilian workers with higher cumulative exposures to the contaminants.” ⁽¹⁰⁾

ATSDR has found enough scientific evidence to support the conclusion that exposure to the toxic water at Camp Lejeune led to prostate cancer. It also led to other health conditions in people who lived or worked on or near the base. The exposure happened between August 1953 and December 1987. ^{(11) (12) (13)}

The ATSDR researchers looking at the effects of the toxic water exposure on civilians concluded, “The study found elevated risks in the Camp Lejeune civilian workers for several causes of death, including kidney cancer, leukemia’s, prostate cancer, rectal cancer and Parkinson’s disease.” ⁽¹⁴⁾

Camp Lejeune Prostate Cancer Diagnosis

There is no one “standard” test for prostate cancer. However, there are medical tests to indicate if the disease is likely to be present, according to the CDC. ⁽¹⁵⁾

The CDC explains, “A blood test called a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test measures the level of PSA in the blood. PSA is a substance made by the prostate. The levels of PSA in the blood can be higher in men who have prostate cancer.” The CDC states, “As a rule, the higher the PSA level in the blood, the more likely a prostate problem is present.” ⁽¹⁶⁾

Legal Options for Victims of Camp Lejeune Water Contamination

Anyone affected by the contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune will want to consider their legal options.

As a result of numerous studies, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs amended its policy on veterans exposed to contaminant water at Camp Lejeune. Now it permits you to claim benefits. ⁽¹⁷⁾

The Honoring Our PACT ACT of 2022 was signed by President Biden in August 2022. It allows people affected by toxic water at Camp Lejeune to sue the U.S. federal government for compensation, including pain and suffering. ^{(18) (19)}

The PACT ACT has a catch. It only allows for a narrow window of time for you to file your claim.

These claims are complex and require a comprehensive understanding of both legal and environmental issues. Your legal representative should be a law firm with a deep knowledge of and experience in these types of litigations.

How W&L Can Help

Weitz & Luxenberg has been a leader in getting compensation for veterans from large-scale litigations at a national level. We regularly file lawsuits against multimillion dollar corporations.

Our team of dedicated attorneys has a lot of experience in these types of cases. We have in-depth knowledge of the law and environmental issues.

Our attorneys consistently achieve optimal outcomes for our clients. Our history of winning these types of cases includes:

• W&L negotiated a $65 million settlement for residents in Hoosick Falls, New York after the community’s water supply was contaminated with PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid).

• W&L also achieved a $23.5 million settlement for PFOA water supply contamination in Petersburgh, New York.

• W&L helped obtain a $423 million settlement for 153 public water systems nationwide that had water contaminated with methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE), a flammable gasoline additive.