Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is a severe and potentially life-threatening disease that begins in the tissues of the colon or rectum. As one of the most common types of cancer in the United States, understanding its causes and risk factors plays into early detection and in seeking compensation when a negligent company causes it.
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Understanding Colon Cancer
The colon, or large intestine, is an essential part of the digestive system. It absorbs water and nutrients from food and stores waste until it is expelled from the body.
Colon cancer typically starts as small, noncancerous clumps of cells called polyps that form inside the colon. Over time, some of these polyps can become cancerous.
Symptoms of colon cancer can include:
- Changes in bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation
- Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
- Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas, or pain
- A feeling that your bowel doesn't empty completely
- Weakness or fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
Unfortunately, colon cancer often doesn't cause symptoms in its early stages, which is why regular screening is important for early detection and successful treatment.
Potential Causes of Colon Cancer
Several factors can increase your risk of colon cancer:
- Age: The risk of colon cancer increases as you get older, with most cases occurring in people over 50.
- Family History: If you have a close relative who has had colon cancer, you're at higher risk.
- Inherited Syndromes: Certain genetic mutations can significantly increase your risk of colon cancer.
- Inflammatory Intestinal Conditions: Chronic inflammatory colon diseases, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, can increase risk.
- Diet: A diet low in fiber and high in fat, particularly from red meat, may contribute to colon cancer risk.
- Lifestyle Factors: Lack of physical activity, obesity, smoking, and heavy alcohol use are associated with an increased risk.
- Diabetes: People with diabetes have an increased risk of colon cancer.
- Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy directed at the abdomen to treat previous cancers may increase the risk of colon cancer.
However, recent research and legal developments have shed light on additional risk factors that may contribute to the development of colon cancer, particularly related to certain medications and environmental exposures.
The Link Between NDMA in Zantac and Colon Cancer
One concerning discovery in recent years is the potential link between the heartburn medication Zantac and an increased risk of cancer, including colon cancer. This connection is due to N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in the medication.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classify NDMA as a probable human carcinogen. It's a known environmental contaminant found in water and foods, including meats, dairy products, and vegetables. However, its presence in medications like Zantac has raised significant concerns.
In 2019, independent pharmacy Valisure found that some batches of Zantac and its generic versions contained excessive levels of NDMA. Further investigation revealed that ranitidine, the active ingredient in Zantac, can break down to form NDMA, especially when exposed to heat or stored for long periods.
As a result of these findings, Zantac was recalled in 2020. The recall has led to numerous Zantac lawsuits from individuals who developed cancer, including colon cancer, after long-term use of Zantac.
Contaminated Water at Camp Lejeune and Colon Cancer Risk
Another significant environmental factor linked to an increased risk of colon cancer is the contaminated water supply at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.
From the 1950s to the 1980s, the drinking water at Camp Lejeune was contaminated with a variety of harmful chemicals, including:
- Trichloroethylene (TCE)
- Perchloroethylene (PCE)
- Benzene
- Vinyl chloride
These chemicals are known carcinogens and have been linked to various types of cancer, including colon cancer. The contamination affected military personnel, their families, and civilian workers who lived or worked on the base during this period.
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) has conducted extensive research on the health effects of Camp Lejeune's water contamination. Their studies have found that individuals exposed to the contaminated water are at an increased risk of several types of cancer, including colon cancer.
In response to these findings, the U.S. government has established programs to provide healthcare and compensation to affected individuals. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act, signed into law in 2022, allows those exposed to the contaminated water for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, to file Camp Lejeune lawsuits and seek compensation for their injuries, including colon cancer.
Legal Implications and Seeking Justice
The links between colon cancer and factors like NDMA exposure from Zantac and contaminated water at Camp Lejeune have significant legal implications.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with colon cancer and have a history of:
- Long-term use of Zantac or other ranitidine products
- Living or working at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987
You may be eligible to seek compensation for your injuries. These cases
underscore the importance of holding companies and institutions accountable for
putting people at risk of severe health conditions like colon cancer.
Seeking Legal Help for Colon Cancer Linked to Dangerous Products or Environmental Exposure
If you believe your colon cancer diagnosis may be linked to dangerous drugs, consumer products, or environmental exposure, talk to a lawyer so you can understand your legal rights.
At Lawsuit Legal News, we provide detailed information on how these products and exposures could be linked to colon cancer and can connect you with experienced legal professionals who can review your case.
You may recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages or income
- Pain and suffering
- Other related damages
Don't face this situation alone. Our legal team is here to support you and fight for the justice you deserve. Contact us today at 866-535-9515 or complete our online form for a free consultation.
Let us help you understand your options and get the legal support you need to seek justice for your colon cancer diagnosis. Remember, time limits may apply to filing a claim, so don't delay seeking legal advice.