Can exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune increase the risk of developing gastric cancer?

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Camp Lejeune Water Contamination and Gastric Cancer Risk

The water contamination at Camp Lejeune is associated with increased risk of multiple cancers, but there is currently insufficient evidence to establish a direct link specifically to gastric cancer.

Background on Camp Lejeune Contamination

Camp Lejeune's water supply was contaminated with several volatile organic compounds (VOCs) between the 1950s and 1985, including:

  • Tetrachloroethylene (PCE) - reached levels up to 183 μg/L monthly average 1
  • Trichloroethylene (TCE) - reached levels up to 783 μg/L monthly average 1
  • Benzene and other industrial solvents 2

These contaminant levels significantly exceeded current safety standards, with exposure occurring through drinking water systems that supplied housing, barracks, and other facilities on the base.

Evidence Regarding Cancer Risk

Recent Research on Camp Lejeune Specifically

A 2024 comprehensive cohort study examining cancer incidence among Marines, Navy personnel, and civilian workers exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune found increased risks for several specific cancers compared to unexposed personnel at Camp Pendleton 3:

  • Myeloid cancers (HR=1.24)
  • Acute myeloid leukemia (HR=1.38)
  • Esophageal cancer (HR=1.27)
  • Thyroid cancer (HR=1.22)
  • Laryngeal cancer (HR=1.21)

However, this study did not specifically identify gastric cancer as having a statistically significant increased risk.

An earlier 2014 mortality study of civilian employees exposed to Camp Lejeune's contaminated water found elevated hazard ratios for:

  • Kidney cancer (HR=1.92)
  • Leukemias (HR=1.59)
  • Multiple myeloma (HR=1.84)
  • Rectal cancer (HR=1.65)
  • Oral cavity cancers (HR=1.93)
  • Parkinson's disease (HR=3.13) 4

Again, gastric cancer was not specifically identified as having a significantly elevated risk.

Case Reports

A 2022 case series documented three cancer patients who had lived at Camp Lejeune and later developed various cancers including:

  • T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
  • Multiple cancers (prostate, lung, colon, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia)
  • Recurrent skin cancers of different histology 2

This case series did not include gastric cancer cases.

Water Contamination and Gastric Cancer Risk Generally

While specific evidence for Camp Lejeune and gastric cancer is limited, research from other settings suggests a potential link between water contamination and gastric cancer:

A 2015 case-control study from Golestan found significant associations between unpiped and unchlorinated drinking water sources and gastric cancer risk:

  • Unchlorinated well water: OR=4.58
  • Surface water: OR=4.26
  • All unpiped water sources: OR=1.79 5

This study demonstrated that water source and chlorination status can significantly impact gastric cancer risk, with unchlorinated water showing over a two-fold increased risk compared to chlorinated water (OR=2.37) 5.

Recommendations for Individuals Exposed to Camp Lejeune Water

  1. Medical Coverage: The Honoring America's Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012 provides medical coverage for individuals affected by the contamination 2. Individuals with exposure history should ensure they're registered for these benefits.

  2. Cancer Screening: While gastric cancer is not specifically listed among the most strongly associated cancers, individuals with Camp Lejeune exposure should undergo appropriate cancer screening based on:

    • Personal risk factors
    • Family history
    • Duration and timing of exposure at Camp Lejeune

  3. Clinical Vigilance: Healthcare providers should maintain heightened awareness for symptoms that could indicate gastric cancer in patients with Camp Lejeune exposure history, particularly if other risk factors are present.

Conclusion

While the water contamination at Camp Lejeune has been linked to increased risk of multiple cancers, current evidence does not establish a strong direct link specifically to gastric cancer. However, given the known carcinogenic properties of the contaminants present and evidence from other settings linking water contamination to gastric cancer risk, continued surveillance and research are warranted.

References

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Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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