Recognizing the Signs of 9/11-Related Male Breast Cancer

A sharp increase in male breast cancer from the 9/11 terrorist attacks has been found in people who lived, worked, or went to school in lower Manhattan between 9/11 and May 30, 2002. Even now, two decades later, cancers and other 9/11-related health conditions are being found in many responders, downtown workers and residents, and others. Anyone who lived or worked in lower Manhattan on or after 9/11 must be aware and look out for the symptoms and signs of male breast cancer – an awareness that is essential for early detection and effective treatment.

A Lesser-Known Impact of 9/11

While many people are familiar with respiratory diseases and lung cancers linked to 9/11 exposure, male breast cancer is a lesser-known but serious condition that is increasingly being diagnosed in those who were exposed on 9/11. Male breast cancer is rare. So rare that many people are unaware that males can get breast cancer, and male breast cancer often carries a stigma for men because breast cancer is falsely seen as a “woman’s disease.” This causes many men to ignore the symptoms, which results in male breast cancer often being detected in later stages. 

New Spikes in Male Breast Cancer Among 9/11 Victims

The exposure to carcinogenic substances such as dioxins, benzene, asbestos, and heavy metals in the aftermath of 9/11 has been associated with a higher risk of developing multiple cancers, including breast cancer in men. Male breast cancer accounts for less than 1% of all breast cancer diagnoses in the general population. However, data from the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) indicate a concerning increase in cases among 9/11 survivors and first responders, with over 90 cases of male breast cancer having been diagnosed in the 9/11 community, a rate that is 90 times higher than the national average. This number has significantly increased in recent years – from 20 cases in 2018 – due to the potentially long latency period of breast cancer, from 8 to 40 years. This means symptoms of breast cancer may not show up until decades after the initial exposure, highlighting the importance of ongoing cancer screening for early detection. 

Common Symptoms of 9/11-Related Male Breast Cancer

Since male breast cancer is rare, many men do not recognize the early warning signs. Awareness of common symptoms is key to early detection and treatment for male breast cancer. Common symptoms include the following:

• A lump or thickening in the breast tissue is often the first noticeable sign and is typically painless.
• Changes in the breast skin, such as redness, dimpling, or scaling of the skin, can indicate underlying cancer.
• Nipple abnormalities, such as an inverted nipple or sudden nipple discharge (which may be bloody) should be evaluated by a doctor.
• Pain or tenderness in the breast area, while not always present, may occur in some males with breast cancer. 
• Swelling in the lymph nodes, under the arm or near the collarbone, may occur if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. 
  
  

Early detection is essential, as male breast cancer can spread to other parts of the body, including the bones, liver, and lungs, if left untreated.

Support is Available Through the VCF and WTCHP For Males With Breast Cancer

For 9/11 responders, downtown area residents and workers, and the many others who were present in the aftermath of 9/11 and have been diagnosed with male breast cancer, financial and medical support is available through the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) and the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF). These programs provide the following services:

• No-cost medical coverage for treatment and screening: The WTCHP offers full medical monitoring and treatment for eligible 9/11-related conditions, including male breast cancer.
• Compensation for economic and non-economic losses: The VCF provides financial compensation to those suffering from 9/11-related illnesses for economic losses, including lost wages and benefits and out-of-pocket medical expenses, and non-economic losses, which covers losses such as pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and more. 
• Access to specialized cancer care: Participants in the WTCHP can receive treatment from leading specialists in breast cancer at one of their Clinical Centers for Excellence (CCE) throughout the New York area or through the National Provider Network (NPN) outside of New York.
  
  

To qualify, individuals must provide proof of their presence in the 9/11 exposure zone, have their condition certified by the WTCHP, and register and file their claim by the applicable deadlines. Consulting with an experienced 9/11 attorney can help streamline this process and ensure you receive the full benefits available for your situation.

Learn More from an Experienced 9/11 Attorney

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with male breast cancer after 9/11 exposure, you don’t have to navigate the claims process alone. A knowledgeable 9/11 attorney can help you gather the necessary documentation, including medical records and proof of presence, and help you register and file a claim with the WTCHP and VCF. Working with a 9/11 attorney will help you maximize your compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages.

Early detection and proper treatment can make a significant difference in the prognosis of male breast cancer. If you believe your condition is connected to 9/11 exposure, take action today to secure the medical care and financial support you need and deserve. Contact the dedicated 9/11 attorneys at Hansen & Rosasco, LLP for a free consultation.