A new government study revealed that individuals who lived and worked at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina during the mid-1970s and '80s are more likely to be diagnosed with certain cancers compared to those at a similar military base in California. The study, conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, links the increased cancer risk to the heavily contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune, which exposed military and civilian personnel to cancer-causing chemicals from 1953 to 1985.

The study's findings may lead to an expanded list of conditions for which veterans and civilians affected by the contaminated water can receive government compensation. The research identifies male breast cancer and several other cancers not previously connected to the contamination, emphasizing the need for recognition and support for impacted individuals. The study tracked over 400,000 service members and civilians and is considered one of the largest cancer incidence cohort studies in the United States, providing valuable insights into the health effects of chemical exposure at Camp Lejeune. The data also highlights the importance of regular cancer screenings for those exposed during the contamination period.