November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month – Here's What You Need to Know

Beyond the immediate devastation, the tragic events of 9/11 also set in motion a public health crisis that continues to affect thousands of first responders as well as the downtown workers, residents, and students who were all exposed to the toxic dust, debris, and fumes that covered Lower Manhattan until mid-2002. Among the many health problems that have since emerged, lung cancer has stricken several hundred of the responders and downtown workers, residents, and students. For many, receiving the support needed to deal with a lung cancer diagnosis has been fraught with challenges, including an understanding of the two federal 9/11 programs that can help, the World Trade Center Health Program (healthcare) and the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (financial compensation). 

Lung Cancer is One of the Top 10 Reported 9/11 Cancers

In the aftermath of the 9/11 attack, first responders and hundreds of thousands of other individuals in lower Manhattan found themselves surrounded by a cloud of dust, debris, and toxic fumes. This toxic cloud from the collapsed WTC buildings contained a mix of carcinogens, including asbestos, heavy metals, pulverized concrete, silica, glass, and other hazardous materials. Breathing these materials by those present in Lower Manhattan – while anywhere in NYC south of Houston Street and at any time from 9/11 through July 31, 2002 – has led to increased risk of various types of cancer. While lung cancer remains one of the top 10 reported cancers of all 9/11 certified cancers, there is also an increased risk of breast cancer, thyroid cancer, prostate cancer, leukemia, and 70+ other types of cancer. 

Various research programs have highlighted the notably higher cancer rates amongst those exposed to the 9/11 site relative to the general population. However, some research, including those led by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, shows a decreased risk of developing lung cancer amongst 9/11 workers, as opposed to the general population. This could be because the percentage of smokers was lower among those studied than the general population, or this could be due to the potential long latency period of lung cancer (the period or years from the exposure to the 9/11 toxins until the time of diagnosis of the disease), showing the need for increased knowledge and advocacy as the disease reveals itself in more victims over time. Medical professionals have predicted an increase in respiratory cancer cases as the latency period starts to approach 30 years.

How Common is Lung Cancer in 9/11 Victims?

Studies and data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) indicate that 9/11 survivors exhibit an elevated rate of lung cancer and other types of cancer. As of June 2023, The Center for Disease Control has reported 698 responders diagnosed with 9/11-caused lung cancer and 843 survivors diagnosed with 9/11-related lung cancer. This is not merely a statistic but a resonating reality for many individuals who, two decades after the attack, continue to grapple with life-altering diagnoses. The demographic, which includes police officers, firefighters, and the general public – civilian downtown workers residents, and students – not only wrestles with the physical and emotional toll of the diagnosis but also must navigate through the various 9/11 health and compensation systems. 

Recognizing the Symptoms of 9/11 Lung Cancer

Early detection is pivotal in managing lung cancer effectively, making it crucial to be informed about common symptoms of lung cancer. These may include the following:

• Persistent cough (especially if you are coughing up rust-colored sputum) 
• Chest pain 
• Weight loss 
• Shortness of breath
• Hoarseness
• Bone pain
• Chronic bronchitis
  
  

For 9/11 responders and survivors, the monitoring of symptoms is of paramount importance, as the potential for developing 9/11-related lung cancer increases over the years.

Exploring Lung Cancer Treatment Options

The World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) provides access to medical monitoring and treatment to navigate through their diagnosis, with the ability to tap into specialized care pathways. Primary treatments include surgery to remove tumors; radiation therapy, which uses high-energy rays; chemotherapy, which employs drugs to combat cancer cells; and targeted therapy, designed to attack specific cancer cell abnormalities. Immunotherapy boosts the body's immune response against cancer, while radiosurgery provides focused radiation. Personalized medicine may be used to tailor treatments based on genetic changes in cancer cells. The optimal treatment is determined through discussions between the patient and their medical team.

What Are Your Options as a Victim of 9/11 Lung Cancer

For those who find themselves facing the challenging reality of 9/11-related lung cancer, it's crucial to be aware of the available options for support, medical care, and compensation. The James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act established the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) and the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) to address the medical and financial needs of 9/11 victims. Through the WTCHP, victims of 9/11 are provided specialized medical monitoring and treatment for various 9/11-related physical and mental health conditions, including lung cancer. The VCF was designed to provide financial compensation to eligible individuals affected by 9/11-related illnesses, including lung cancer. It covers economic losses such as lost wages and benefits, as well as noneconomic losses such as pain and suffering, that occurred due to physical health conditions linked to the 9/11 attacks.

As we observe Lung Cancer Awareness Month in November, let us remember that awareness is not just about acknowledging the disease; it's about taking action, seeking the support you deserve, and advocating for your rights as a victim of 9/11-related lung cancer. Your health and well-being are of paramount importance, and there are resources and options available to help you face this challenge and secure the support and compensation you deserve. Contact the dedicated 9/11 attorneys at Hansen & Rosasco today to find out more about your options.