The Importance of Lung Cancer Screening in 9/11 Victims

Lung Cancer Screening is available on a yearly basis from the World Trade Center Health Program. 

Lung cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer in the United States. Currently, it is the 6th most common “certified” cancer by the World Trade Center Health Program and causes more 9/11-related deaths than almost any other. Unfortunately, Hansen & Rosasco have seen an increase in calls for assistance with 9/11-related lung/bronchus cancer claims. 

Early detection of lung cancer through yearly monitoring by a low-dose CAT scan can be a life-changing event. Annual lung cancer screening is now being offered as a medical benefit for eligible WTC Health Program members with specific risk factors. 9/11 victims should continue low-dose CT scans annually until they reach age 80.

A low-dose CT (CAT) scan is used to screen 9/11 victims exposed to toxins in lower Manhattan on and after 9/11. Low-dose CT scans can find areas in the lungs that may be cancerous. Research shows that yearly LDCT (low-dose CAT scans) to screen people at higher risk of lung cancer, including 9/11 victims exposed to cancerous fumes and dust in lower Manhattan, can save lives. For these 9/11 victims, getting yearly scans before symptoms start helps lower the risk of dying from lung cancer. If small, early-stage cancerous tumors are found in the lungs as a result of confirmatory tests after the CT scan, minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgery can often remove all the cancer, and provide much better survival rates. Surgery to remove the cancer might be an option for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer. It provides the best chance to cure the disease. 

9/11 victims are at higher risk (especially if they smoke or used to smoke) for lung cancer. LDCT scans can help find abnormal areas in the lungs that may be cancerous. Research has shown that, unlike chest X-rays, yearly LDCT scans to screen people at higher risk of lung cancer can save lives. For these people, getting yearly LDCT scans before symptoms start helps lower the risk of dying from lung cancer. The collapse of the World Trade Center (WTC) on September 11, 2001, sent a cloud of dust and debris into the air, exposing thousands of first responders and New York City residents, downtown workers, students, clean-up crews, and others in the area to carcinogens and other toxic substances. Research has linked many of these toxic substances to various types of cancer, including lung cancer. Due to the toxic exposure and the high incidence of lung cancer diagnosed amongst 9/11 victims since the terrorist attacks, lung cancer screening has emerged as a vital procedure for those directly impacted by 9/11, the importance of which cannot be overstated. Lung cancer may take years to develop after toxic exposure. Lung cancer can also develop for years without manifesting any symptoms. Regular screening for lung cancer helps ensure early detection and treatment if lung cancer develops, and it is especially important for those who may be at an increased risk of developing lung cancer.

The Prevalence of Lung Cancer in Those Present at the World Trade Center Disaster

When the Twin Towers collapsed, they released a hazardous mix of toxins and carcinogens that settled over Manhattan and the surrounding area for months afterward. The 9/11 dust included asbestos, heavy metals, cement, drywall, window glass, other building materials, and anything else caught in the destruction. Smoke was also released from the many fires that developed. Research has shown that exposure to many of these materials has been linked to an increased risk of several 9/11-related health conditions. Lung cancer is one of these and is listed as one of the top 10 cancers diagnosed in first responders and survivors by the WTCHP, with over 750 responders and over 930 survivors having been diagnosed with lung cancer by the WTCHP to date. 

Reports on Cancer Among WTC Rescue and Recovery Worker Cohorts

According to the WTCHP, over 20,000 rescue and recovery workers have been diagnosed with 9/11-related cancer. Research and reports focusing on WTC rescue and recovery workers have revealed a higher incidence of cancer diagnosis amongst WTC first responders compared to the general population. One of the earliest of these studies, from 2011, was conducted by the Fire Department of New York City (FCNY). This study demonstrated a 10% increase in overall cancer rates among WTC-exposed firefighters in the eight years following WTC exposure compared to demographically similar individuals in the general population. 

In the years since, the body of research focusing on rescue and recovery workers exposed to the WTC site has grown substantially, with several new studies contributing to our understanding of the cancer risks faced by WTC-exposed rescue and recovery personnel compared to those of the general population. This collective research effort has led to several consistent conclusions regarding the health impacts on these groups. These studies showed that the incidence rates for all cancers combined were elevated compared with general population rates, and certain cancers in particular, such as prostate and thyroid cancer, had elevated incidence rates on their own as well. Further research has shown that rescue and recovery worker cohorts are also more likely to have monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), the precursor disease to multiple myeloma, as well as mutations in their blood cells that may increase the risk of leukemia, as compared with the general population.

These findings highlight the critical need for ongoing health surveillance and cancer screening programs specifically designed to address the unique risks faced by those impacted by 9/11. The James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act was enacted to provide medical monitoring and treatment for affected individuals through the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP), as well as financial compensation for their losses through the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF).

The Benefit of Lung Cancer Screening

Early detection of lung cancer can dramatically improve survival rates as early-stage lung cancer is often more treatable and curable. Lung cancer screening, particularly low-dose computed tomography (LDCT), has proven highly effective in identifying cancer at its early stages, often even before symptoms may arise. For those affected by 9/11, regular screening is vital due to the increased risk of developing cancer that comes with toxic exposure. The WTCHP offers lung cancer screening as part of its comprehensive health monitoring services, ensuring that 9/11 survivors have access to crucial preventive care. Moreover, WTC Health Program enrollees with cancer have been found to have a 34% lower mortality rate than demographically similar New York State residents with cancer. 

Work with an Experienced 9/11 Lung Cancer Attorney

Unfortunately, Hansen & Rosasco handle 9/11-related lung cancer cases on a regular basis. Regular screening and early detection are essential for 9/11 survivors, offering the best chance for successful treatment and improved quality of life. Those who were present in the Manhattan area or at one of the other crash sites in the months following the attacks are entitled to receive no-cost medical monitoring and treatment from the WTCHP, including regular lung cancer screenings. Navigating WTCHP registration and certification and the VCF claims process can be challenging, requiring extensive evidence and attention to various deadlines and details. But you don’t have to face this journey alone. The dedicated 9/11 attorneys at Hansen and Rosasco, LLP are here to help. 

Working with an attorney experienced in 9/11 lung cancer cases can provide invaluable assistance. From establishing your presence in the Exposure Zone to getting your lung cancer certified by the WTCHP and filing a claim for compensation with the VCF, a knowledgeable 9/11 lung cancer attorney can guide you through the process, allowing you to focus on your health and recovery.  If you or a loved one were present at the WTC disaster and are concerned about lung cancer, contact the experienced 9/11 lung cancer attorneys at Hansen & Rosasco, LLP today to discuss your health monitoring, treatment, and compensation options.