Support for 9/11 Victims and Their Families Coping with Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer is one of the more common concerns within the 9/11 community. The World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) plays a crucial role in providing both treatment and support to 9/11 victims coping with kidney cancer. The related September 11th Victim Compensation Fund provides financial relief to sufferers of kidney cancer, with pain and suffering awards of up to $250,000 plus lost earnings and other available compensation. 

Many 9/11 Victims Suffer from Kidney Disease or Cancer

In the wake of the 9/11 attacks, tens of thousands of individuals exposed to the toxic environment at the World Trade Center (WTC) have been diagnosed with a cancer that is known to be caused by the 9/11 fallout. Analysis showed that the substances in the dust cloud included harmful substances such as cement, gypsum, asbestos, glass fibers, calcium carbonate, lead, and other metal particles. Exposure to this dust cloud has been linked to 70+ different types of cancer and other health conditions, including kidney disease and cancer. 

Cancer is the second most common diagnosis for 9/11 survivors and responders registered with the WTCHP, and kidney cancer ranks as one of the top 10 cancers certified by the WTCHP, with nearly 1,500 cases certified as of the end of 2023. This prevalence underscores the importance of providing support for 9/11 victims and their families coping with kidney cancer.

Recent Advances in Treatment for 9/11 Kidney Cancer

Recent years have seen significant advancements in the treatment of kidney cancer, offering new hope and improved outcomes for patients, including those affected by the aftermath of 9/11. One of the most significant developments is the emergence of targeted therapy. These treatments specifically attack cancer cells with minimal harm to normal cells, focusing on the molecular and genetic changes that drive cancer growth. Most of the targeted drugs used to treat kidney cancer work by blocking the growth of the new blood vessels that feed cancers or important proteins in cancer cells that help them grow and survive, while some targeted drugs affect both. These drugs include sunitinib (Sutent), sorafenib (Nexavar), pazopanib (Votrient), cabozantinib (Cabometyx), lenvatinib (Lenvima), bevacizumab (Avastin), axitinib (Inlyta), tivozanib (Fotivda), belzutifan (Welireg), temsirolimus (Torisel), and everolimus (Afinitor). Drugs like these have revolutionized the management of advanced kidney cancer, providing options where traditional chemotherapy might not be as effective.

Another groundbreaking advancement is the advent of immunotherapy. Immunotherapy works by stimulating the patient's immune system to more effectively recognize and combat cancer cells. Checkpoint inhibitors, a type of immunotherapy, have shown particular promise in treating kidney cancer by blocking the pathways that cancer cells use to evade the immune system, helping restore the immune response against the cancer cells. This approach has not only extended survival rates but also offered a better quality of life during treatment due to fewer side effects compared to conventional therapies.

The integration of precision medicine into kidney cancer care has allowed for more personalized treatment strategies. By analyzing the genetic makeup of the cancer cells, doctors can now tailor treatments to the individual characteristics of each patient's disease. This personalized approach ensures that patients receive the most effective treatments based on their unique genetic profile, significantly enhancing the chances of successful outcomes. These advances offer hope for 9/11 victims battling kidney cancer, promising more effective and less invasive treatment options.

Coping with Treatment for Your 9/11 Kidney Disease or Cancer

For 9/11 victims facing treatment for kidney disease and cancer, it's essential for patients and their families to have access to comprehensive care that addresses all aspects of their well-being. This includes managing side effects, accessing mental health support, and ensuring that the financial burden of medical care is mitigated as much as possible. Engaging with a supportive care team that includes not just oncologists and other doctors, but also mental health professionals, nutritionists, and physical therapists, can address the full spectrum of challenges that come with long-term treatment. 

In addition, registering and filing a claim with the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) can provide financial compensation to help victims cope with the monetary losses related to their 9/11 exposure. This can include economic losses such as the loss of income, employment benefits, and retirement benefits, as well as non-economic losses such as physical and emotional pain, suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and other losses. 

Staying connected with a community of fellow survivors can offer invaluable emotional support and a sense of solidarity for 9/11 survivors facing kidney cancer. Many find solace and strength in sharing their experiences and coping strategies through support groups specifically tailored to 9/11 victims. Engaging in mindful practices such as meditation, gentle yoga, or other relaxation techniques can also help alleviate stress and improve overall quality of life during treatment. It's important for those battling kidney disease and cancer to prioritize self-care and seek out resources that resonate with their personal coping style.

Support is Available Through the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP)

The WTCHP offers support to 9/11 victims, including no-cost monitoring and treatment for certified 9/11-related health conditions, including kidney cancer and kidney disease. By enrolling in the WTCHP, individuals can access specialized medical care tailored to their individual needs, ensuring that they receive the most effective treatments available. In addition to support for physical health conditions, the WTCHP provides support for mental health conditions and benefit counseling. With benefits counseling, a benefits counselor will explain benefits outside of the WTCHP that you may qualify for and, if you qualify, the benefits counselor can help you apply for those, as well. 

Get Your 9/11 Illness Certified Through the WTCHP

To benefit from the WTCHP, it's crucial for 9/11 victims to get their kidney cancer diagnosis certified as a 9/11-related condition. This certification process involves a thorough review of the individual's medical history, exposure during the attacks, and current health status. Once certified, patients can fully access the program's resources, including medical monitoring for 9/11-related health conditions, treatment options, and support services.

Learn How Hansen & Rosasco Can Help

Navigating the complexities of the WTCHP and the VCF can be overwhelming, especially when coping with a kidney cancer diagnosis. At Hansen & Rosasco, LLP, our dedicated attorneys have been assisting 9/11 victims and their families through this process for over two decades. With extensive experience and a deep understanding of the 9/11 compensation programs, our team can provide the guidance and support needed to secure the benefits and care that 9/11 victims deserve. We encourage you to reach out to Hansen & Rosasco, LLP to learn more about how we can assist you in accessing the care and compensation you are entitled to.