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A Guide to the Most Common 9/11 Cancers and Illnesses
The World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) has certified as 9/11-related a total of almost 40,000 cases of cancers diagnosed in people who either lived, worked, or responded to the 9/11 attacks any time between 9/11 and mid-2002. The 10 most common cancers certified by the WTC Health Program are:
- Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer - 13,380 cases
- Prostate Cancer - 9,370 cases
- Breast Cancer - 3,540 cases
- Melanoma of the Skin - 2,780 cases
- Lymphoma - 1,990 cases.
- Thyroid Cancer - 1,940 cases
- Kidney Cancer - 1,550 cases
- Lung and Bronchus Cancer - 1,420 cases
- Leukemia - 1,210 cases
- Bladder Cancer - 1,117 cases
Certification by the WTC Health Program of cancer or other health conditions as 9/11-related makes available the many health coverage benefits offered and paid for by the Health Program. Certification by the WTCHP of cancer as 9/11-related is also a necessary first step to support a claim for compensation from the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (the VCF). The amount of compensation awarded by the VCF varies depending on each person’s circumstances, but pain and suffering awards range from $90,000 for skin cancer to as high as $340,000 for multiple other cancers, plus any related economic losses such as lost earnings/benefits that can amount of millions of dollars.
The Link Between 9/11 and Cancer
In the decades since the attacks, studies have confirmed a direct link between 9/11 exposure and an elevated risk of several types of cancers due to the various harmful substances contained in the 9/11 dust cloud. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) has recognized over 70 types of cancer as being related to 9/11 exposure. The WTCHP has certified nearly 36,000 individuals, over 19,000 first responders and nearly 17,000 civilians exposed, as having 9/11-related cancer. The latency period, or the time it takes to detect cancer after the exposure, means that diagnoses continue to be made even decades after the attacks.
Increased cancer rates for 9/11 responders as compared to the general population include the following:
- The rate of prostate cancer is approximately 30% higher
- The rate of thyroid cancer was more than 2-fold higher
- The rate of leukemia is 41% higher
The toll of exposure on 9/11 is so great that deaths from 9/11-related diseases now outnumber the deaths that occurred during the attacks. Nearly 3,000 lives were lost on September 11th, and over 5,000 more have died since that day from 9/11-related illnesses.
How the WTCHP and VCF Can Help
The WTCHP and the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) are important resources for those affected by 9/11-related cancers. The WTCHP provides medical monitoring, treatment, and support for individuals with certified 9/11-related health conditions, including cancer. Enrollment in the WTCHP ensures that anyone exposed on or after 9/11 receives the care they need.
The VCF offers financial compensation to those diagnosed with 9/11-related cancers, covering both economic and non-economic losses. Compensation can include reimbursement for medical expenses, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering. It’s essential for individuals affected by 9/11-related cancers to file a claim with the VCF as soon as possible to ensure they receive the compensation they are entitled to.
9/11 Cancers and Illnesses
Among the most common 9/11 cancers are prostate, breast, thyroid, lung, lymphoma, kidney, and skin cancers. Common in people who lived, worked, went to school, or were responders to the 9/11 attacks are over 60 other types of cancers, both common and rare cancers.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the second (after skin cancer) most common cancer among those present on 9/11. It affects the prostate gland in men and can lead to serious health issues if not detected early. Studies have shown that rescue and recovery workers exposed to the toxic dust on 9/11 have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer compared to the general population. Regular screenings and early detection are essential for those who were exposed in the aftermath of 9/11 to ensure early detection and effective management.
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is another prevalent cancer linked to 9/11 exposure, and is the 3rd most common 9/11 cancer, affecting both women and men. Researchers believe the toxic chemicals present in the dust and debris disrupt hormonal balance, increasing the risk of breast cancer. Individuals who were present in the exposure zone are encouraged to undergo regular breast cancer screenings to detect any abnormalities early. Research has shown that when breast cancer is detected early, the chances of survival are very high.
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is a significant concern for those exposed to the airborne toxins released during the 9/11 attacks. The inhalation of asbestos, silica, and other harmful substances has been directly linked to an increased risk of lung cancer among those present on 9/11, making it essential for those exposed to receive regular lung cancer screenings.
Thyroid Cancer
Thyroid cancer has also been widely reported among individuals exposed to the toxic dust and debris of 9/11 and is the 5th most common 9/11 cancer. The thyroid gland, located in the neck, is incredibly sensitive to environmental toxins, and exposure to toxins can lead to the development of both benign and malignant tumors. Thyroid cancer can be slow-growing, so it is important for those exposed to monitor for symptoms and receive regular thyroid cancer tests.
Melanoma and Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer
Exposure to the toxic substances in the 9/11 dust has been linked to an increased risk of skin cancer, including melanoma and non-melanoma types. While skin cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer, it remains an incredibly common diagnosis among those present on 9/11 due to their exposure, with non-melanoma skin cancer ranking as the most common of all 9/11 cancers. Regular skin checks are recommended for individuals present in the aftermath of 9/11.
Lymphoma
Lymphoma, a cancer that affects the lymphatic system, has also been associated with 9/11 exposure. This type of cancer can develop in the lymph nodes, spleen, or bone marrow, and can be classified as either Hodgkin's or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The chemicals and toxins in the 9/11 dust have been linked to a higher incidence of lymphoma among those present. Early detection of lymphoma is possible with regular medical checkups.
Leukemia
Leukemia is a cancer of the blood, characterized by rapid growth of abnormal blood cells in the bone marrow. It is one of the top ten certified 9/11 cancers and has been found diagnosed in 1,300 9/11 responders and survivors. Research has found that first responders were 41 percent more likely to develop leukemia compared to the general population in their geographic area. Leukemia, lymphomas, and other blood cancers can have long latency periods, meaning they may surface in survivors and responders decades after exposure. Ongoing screening for leukemia is recommended for individuals who were present in the aftermath of the attacks.
Bladder Cancer
Exposure to certain chemicals and toxic substances released in the aftermath of the attacks has been linked to an increased risk of developing bladder cancer. These contaminants include arsenic, lead, asbestos, heavy metals, diesel fumes, and other industrial chemicals. It can take many years to show symptoms of bladder cancer, and survivors and first responders who were present in the aftermath of the attacks are still being diagnosed decades after exposure. It is important for those exposed to the toxic 9/11 dust cloud to text regularly for signs of bladder cancer, as early detection and treatment can significantly improve outcomes and quality of life.
Kidney Cancer
Kidney cancer, which affects the kidneys' ability to filter blood and produce urine, is another common cancer linked to 9/11 exposure. The presence of heavy metals and other toxic substances in the dust and debris is thought to increase the risk of kidney cancer among those present on 9/11. Early detection and treatment are key to managing this type of cancer effectively.
Respiratory Conditions
Respiratory conditions are among the most prevalent health issues experienced by those who inhaled harmful chemicals in the aftermath of 9/11. These include chronic respiratory diseases like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), interstitial lung disease, and sleep apnea. Early diagnosis and ongoing treatment are important for managing respiratory conditions and preventing further lung damage.
Aerodigestive Disorders
Aerodigestive disorders are also common in 9/11 survivors, responders, and others present on 9/11 or the weeks and months following, and they affect both the respiratory and digestive tracts. These include conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), chronic rhinosinusitis, and laryngopharyngeal reflux. Medical monitoring and treatment are crucial, as these disorders may lead to chronic discomfort and complications if left untreated.
Other Common 9/11 Cancers and Illnesses
In addition to the cancers mentioned above, several other types of cancer have been linked to 9/11 exposure. The inhalation and ingestion of toxic substances have been associated with an increased risk of gastrointestinal cancers, including those affecting the colon and rectum. A higher incidence of esophageal cancer and various rare cancers have also been linked to 9/11 exposure. While less common, pancreatic cancer has also been diagnosed in individuals exposed to the toxic environment of 9/11, a type of cancer that is particularly aggressive and challenging to treat. Importantly, living or working in lower Manhattan on or after 9/11 is proven to be linked to 60+ other different types of cancer.
Mental health conditions are also common in those who were exposed to the aftermath of 9/11. These include anxiety disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorder, substance use disorder, adjustment disorder, acute stress disorder, and dysthymic disorder. While the VCF does not cover mental health conditions, the WTCHP provides monitoring and treatment for mental health conditions.
Latency Periods For 9/11-Related Cancers
Latency periods refer to the time it takes for symptoms of a disease to appear after exposure to a harmful substance. Different cancers and illnesses have varying latency periods. For example, cancers such as leukemia, prostate cancer, and thyroid cancer have relatively short latency periods (ranging from 146 days to 2 ½ years), making them among the first 9/11-related cancers to be detected. Cancers such as lung cancer and certain respiratory diseases have longer latency periods (typically four years), so individuals may not develop symptoms until years after the exposure. A latency period simply means that the studies recognize that cancers from 9/11 exposure take time to develop – ranging from a few months to over a decade. If you lived, worked, or went to school in Lower Manhattan or after 9/11 and were since diagnosed with any cancer there is a very strong likelihood that the 9/11 dust was a cause and you should check with a 9/11 lawyer to find out for sure.
Recovery and Clean-Up From 9/11
In addition to those who were present in downtown Manhattan on 9/11, individuals who participated in the 9/11 recovery and clean-up efforts may also be eligible for compensation from the VCF, even if they were not technically inside the exposure zone. These recovery workers may have been exposed to toxic dust, debris, and chemicals along the routes of debris removal, including individuals who loaded, unloaded, or drove the trucks containing WTC debris, worked on the barges transporting the debris, the ME’s office, cleaning trucks or equipment, and/or worked at the Fresh Kills landfill.
VCF Claims for Deceased Loved Ones
If you have lost a loved one from 9/11-certified cancer or illness in the last 23 years, you or your family may likely be eligible to file a wrongful death claim with the VCF. Filing a claim for a deceased individual requires proof of presence in the exposure zone or routes of debris removal and submitting medical records that confirm the 9/11-certified condition contributed to the family member’s death – not an easy task, but one that an experienced 9/11 lawyer can handle. Compensation may cover both economic and noneconomic (pain and suffering) losses.
Consult an Experienced 9/11 Attorney
Navigating the complexities of the WTCHP and VCF can be challenging, especially for those dealing with a cancer diagnosis. Consulting with an experienced 9/11 attorney can make the process more manageable and ensure that you receive the maximum benefits and compensation available for your individual circumstances. An attorney with experience in 9/11 health claims can help gather the necessary documentation, file claims with the VCF, and certify your 9/11 cancer with the WTCHP.
At Hansen & Rosasco, LLP, our team has been dedicated to helping those present on 9/11 and their families for over 20 years. We understand the unique challenges faced by those affected by 9/11-related cancers and are committed to providing compassionate, knowledgeable legal support. Contact us today to find out more.
