How Do I Know If My Cancer Was Caused By the 9/11 Toxins? – Cancer Latency Periods Explained

If you were exposed to the 9/11 dust on 9/11 or any time until May 30, 2002 and were since diagnosed with cancer, theWTC Health Program and the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund presume that your cancer is 9/11-related, subject to certain requirements including that the cancer diagnosis date meets the minimum “latency period.”  

Under the WTCHP/VCF rules, a specified minimum period of time must pass from the date that a person was first exposed to the 9/11 dust until the date that a cancer was diagnosed.  This period between exposure and diagnosis is known as the minimum latency period.  If the minimum latency period is met, this is an important factor that allows the WTCHP to determine and presume (among other requirements) that a cancer was in fact caused by exposure to the 9/11 toxins. 

The World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) has established specific minimum latency periods for different types of cancers linked to 9/11 exposure based on scientific research and historical data. These guidelines help determine whether a cancer diagnosis is eligible for certification (and lifetime treatment) through the WTCHP and financial compensation through the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF). 

For example, lung cancer has a latency period of 4 years. So, if an individual was present for the attacks on September 11th, and they were diagnosed with lung cancer on or after September 11th 2005 (4 years later), their cancer may be eligible for certification by the WTCHP, as long as other WTCHP rules and conditions are satisfied. Understanding these latency periods is crucial for ensuring that those affected by 9/11-related cancers receive the medical care and financial support they deserve.

Latencies for 9/11 Cancers

To find out if your diagnosis is eligible for certification by the WTCHP, take the earliest date of your exposure to 9/11 toxins (whether it’s September 11, 2001, or any day following), and add the latency period corresponding to your 9/11-related condition. To the day, if your diagnosis date was on or any time after that date, you may be eligible for lifetime healthcare and compensation for your 9/11-related condition. 

The chart below outlines the minimum latency periods established by the WTCHP for different types of 9/11-related cancers. These periods represent the minimum amount of time that must pass between 9/11 exposure and a cancer diagnosis for the condition to qualify for certification and compensation.

Mesothelioma (11 years)

Mesothelioma has one of the longest latency periods because it is caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers embedded in lung tissue can take over a decade to form malignant tumors.

Lymphoproliferative and Hematopoietic Cancers (0.4 years)

Cancers of the blood and lymphatic systems, such as leukemia and lymphoma, have very short latency periods. These cancers can develop less than six months after exposure.

Thyroid Cancer (2.5 years)

Thyroid cancer can manifest within two and half years of exposure. Thyroid cancer is particularly common among 9/11 responders and individuals who were exposed after 9/11 due to inhalation of radioactive particles and heavy metals that were released when the WTC collapsed.

Solid Cancers (4 years)

Most solid tumors, including breast, lung, and prostate cancer, have a minimum latency period of four years. However, mesothelioma, lymphoproliferative, thyroid, and childhood cancers are all exceptions to this category and have different latency periods.

Endometrial and Uterine Cancer (4 years)

Endometrial and uterine cancers have the same latency period as other solid tumors. Diagnosis must occur at least four years after exposure.

Childhood Cancers (1 year)

Latency periods for childhood cancers, other than lymphoproliferative and hematopoietic cancers, are 1 year, based on findings by the National Academy of Sciences. 

VCF Compensation for 9/11 Cancers

If your cancer meets the WTCHP’s minimum latency period, you may be eligible for compensation through the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF). The VCF provides financial support for out-of-pocket medical expenses not covered by the WTCHP (including specialist care, medications, and procedures), lost wages and benefits due to cancer treatment or inability to work, and non-economic damages for pain and suffering. Families of individuals who have died from a 9/11-related cancer may also be eligible for compensation.

Filing a VCF Claim

To file a VCF claim, you must first have your condition certified by the WTCHP. Certification requires proof that your diagnosis meets the established minimum latency period, in addition to the other complex rules of the WTCHP. A skilled 9/11 attorney can help gather the necessary medical records and exposure documentation to strengthen your claim.

How a 9/11 Attorney Can Help

The VCF claims process can be complex and time-sensitive. Working with an experienced 9/11 attorney can help ensure that your claim is processed correctly and that you receive the maximum compensation available for your individual circumstances. A 9/11 attorney can assist you with the following:

• Confirming eligibility based on the latency period and WTCHP certification.
• Gathering medical records and exposure documentation.
• Navigating claim denials and appeals.
• Filing amendments if your condition worsens or new health issues develop.
• Maximizing your compensation by presenting a comprehensive claim.
  
  

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a 9/11-related cancer, you don’t have to face the claims process alone. The attorneys at Hansen & Rosasco, LLP have been representing 9/11-related VCF claims for decades and have helped thousands of individuals secure the compensation and medical care they need. Contact Hansen & Rosasco, LLP today for a free consultation and take the first step toward securing the benefits you deserve.