9/11-Related Cancers

Key Highlights

• Almost 40,000 people have been diagnosed with 9/11-related cancer, with responders and survivors facing significantly elevated risks of cancer compared to the general population.
• Over 70 cancers are linked to 9/11 toxic exposure, caused by a “witch’s brew” of airborne carcinogens.
  WTCHP-enrolled patients fare significantly better than the general population: cancer-specific mortality is 28% lower and all-cause mortality is 36% lower.
• The VCF has paid over $16.8 billion in tax-free compensation to more than 71,000 victims for lost income, medical costs, pain and suffering, and wrongful death.
• Prompt action is critical, as while WTCHP enrollment has no deadline, VCF registration must be completed within two years of a certified diagnosis.

Compared to the general population, 9/11 responders experience:

• A 25% increased risk of prostate cancer.
• Double the risk of thyroid cancer.
• A 41% increased risk of leukemia.

Almost 40,000 people have been diagnosed with 9/11-related cancer in the years since September 11, 2001. Indeed, 9/11-related conditions have claimed more lives in the years since than the attacks did on the day itself.

Elevated levels of skin cancer, breast cancer, and other cancers (over 70 known 9/11-related cancers) continue to impact the lives of those present at Ground Zero in the aftermath.

Those affected include:

• Responders
• Volunteers
• Workers
• Students
• Downtown residents

At Weisfuse & Weisfuse, LLC, our experienced 9/11 cancer attorneys have helped thousands of victims secure the benefits they deserve. We’ll guide you through every step of the 9/11 cancer claims process and fight to fully protect your rights.

Even today, many individuals are diagnosed with cancers directly linked to exposure to airborne chemicals and microscopic debris from the toxic dust cloud. Known cancer-causing chemicals lingered in the air for months, including: 

• Pulverized glass and cement dust.
• Asbestos.
• Benzene and dioxins.
• Synthetic vitreous fibers (SVFs).

• Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (a byproduct of jet fuel combustion).
• Lead, mercury, and other heavy metals.

As Dr. Michael Crane of the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) explained, 

“We will never know the composition of that cloud… but people were breathing and eating it. What we do know is that it had all kinds of god-awful things in it. Burning jet fuel. Plastics, metal, fiberglass, asbestos. It was thick, terrible stuff. A witch’s brew.”

Medical and financial compensation for 9/11 cancer victims

If you were present in the exposure zone between the eligible dates and have since been diagnosed with cancer, you may qualify for critical financial assistance from two programs initiated by the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act: 

1. The WTCHP: Free cancer screenings, treatment, mental health services, and ongoing medical monitoring for 9/11-related health conditions.
2. The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF): Financial compensation for diagnosed physical conditions, lost income, medical expenses, and pain and suffering.

9/11 cancer and the WTC Health Program

Patients enrolled in the WTC Health Program experience a higher cancer survival rate compared to the national average:

• Among patients with cancer in the WTC Health Program, cancer-specific mortality is 28% lower compared to the general population.
• All-cause mortality is 36% lower.

This highlights the importance of early detection and continuous monitoring through the WTCHP if you were in the exposure zone between September 11, 2001, and July 31, 2002.

VCF cancer payouts for survivors and responders

To date, VCF payouts amount to over $16.8 billion in compensation to over 71,000 victims, who are still suffering the effects of 9/11-related cancers and other serious illnesses, or who have died from them.

Eligible victims include those who were in the exposure zone between September 11, 2001, and May 30, 2002.

What is the 9/11 exposure zone?

The exposure zone of the WTCHP includes:

• The NYC disaster area, including Lower Manhattan that is south of Houston Street**.
• Any block in Brooklyn Heights that is wholly or partially contained within a 1.5-mile radius of the former World Trade Center site.

The exposure zone for the VCF includes:

• The area in Manhattan south of the line that runs along Canal Street from the Hudson River to the intersection of Canal Street and East Broadway, north on East Broadway to Clinton Street, and east on Clinton Street to the East River.
• Any area related to or along the routes of debris removal, such as barges and the Fresh Kills landfill.

Both programs also cover the Pentagon and the Shanksville, Pennsylvania, crash site.

** Despite misleading advertisements to the contrary, the “exposure zone” isn’t limited to Canal Street but extends up to Houston Street. More people are eligible for compensation under this official definition used at Weisfuse & Weisfuse, LLC.

The following are just some of the 9/11 cancers covered by the federal programs:

Responders, residents, office workers, students, and cleanup volunteers diagnosed with a 9/11 cancer may be eligible for financial assistance under the two federal programs:

World Trade Center Health Program

Since 2012, the WTCHP has provided no-cost medical treatment, cancer screenings, and prescription medications to those diagnosed with certified 9/11-related conditions.

• First responders receive full coverage, unless they also qualify for workers’ compensation.
• Survivors receive the same benefits. However, the WTCHP acts as secondary coverage, paying costs not covered by their primary insurance (Medicare, Medicaid, or private plans).
• To access these benefits, individuals must seek care through approved WTCHP providers and pharmacies.

If you were present in the exposure zone, getting screened as soon as possible can improve health outcomes and help confirm your eligibility for benefits.

September 11th Victim Compensation Fund

The VCF offers tax-free monetary compensation to individuals diagnosed with 9/11-related cancers or illnesses. This includes:

• Lost income and reduced earning capacity.
• Medical and out-of-pocket treatment costs.
• Replacement of household services.
• Pain and suffering damages.
• Wrongful death and funeral expenses (for surviving family members).

The critical deadlines for survivors and responders to be aware of are:

WTCHP deadline:

• No deadline. Coverage provided until 2090

VCF deadline: 

• Two years after certification of illness by the WTCHP, or within two years after the death of a victim.
• The two-year period does not start on the day of a cancer or illness diagnosis but when a victim is made aware that their cancer or illness was linked to exposure to the WTC toxins.

What should you do if you suspect a 9/11 cancer or other condition?

1. Enroll in the WTCHP: there’s no deadline, but it’s best to do it now.
2. Get your condition certified by the WTCHP as 9/11-related.
3. Register with the VCF within two years of that certification.
4. File your claim before October 1, 2090, to claim your VCF cancer payout.

An experienced 9/11 attorney can help victims apply for compensation and obtain free medical care while they focus on recovery from their condition. 

We fight for the maximum possible VCF cancer payouts for our clients. Past awards include a VCF award of $1,892,969 for a victim of pancreatic cancer due to their presence in the 9/11 exposure zone.

To discuss your situation and learn more about how we may be able to help you, please call Weisfuse & Weisfuse, LLC at 212-983-3000 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.