9/11 Exposure at Ground Zero Linked to Aggressive Prostate Cancer

In the more than two decades since 9/11, the number of diseases linked to exposure to the toxic dust at Ground Zero continues to climb. Many of those diseases are severe. Many have been fatal.

In fact, the number of illness-related deaths have now exceeded the number of those killed in NYC as a result of the collapse of the Twin Towers. On September 11, 2001, 343 members of the NYFD lost their lives. Since then, more than 360 have died due to World Trade Center-related illnesses and 11,000 more have become ill from the toxic exposure. Moreover, 3,500 of those have cancer.

That number doesn’t  even take into account other first responders (such as the NYPD), clean-up and recovery workers, as well as office workers, residents, students, visitors and others who were at or near Ground Zero on 9/11. An estimated 400,000 were exposed to the dangerous contaminants released into the environment upon the collapse of the Twin Towers.

According to a recent study conducted by oncologist William Oh, M.D., at Mt. Sinai’s Icahn School of Medicine, and Mt. Sinai epidemiologist Emanuela Taioli, M.D., Ph.D., men exposed to the dust may be facing the threat of an extremely aggressive form of prostate cancer.

While the exact causes of prostate cancer are not conclusive, cancer researchers do know that the cancer occurs when there are changes to the genetic material (DNA) in the prostate cells. The changes that can cause prostate cancer can be something with which you were born. In addition to family health history, age and ethnicity can cause one to be more prone to getting prostate cancer.

But the genetic changes that lead to prostate cancer can also be caused by environmental factors. The dust and fumes from the collapse of the Twin Towers was a toxic mix of known carcinogens, including asbestos and heavy metals such as lead and cadmium; highly dangerous chemicals including benzene and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs); polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and other noxious substances; and a number of other irritants and toxic elements. The study has shown that men who were exposed to these are not only more at risk of getting prostate cancer but may get a particularly aggressive form of the disease.

According to oncologist Dr. William Oh, one of the authors of the study, Clinical Professor and Chief Medical Officer at the Prostate Cancer Foundation, one of these was an increase in inflammation of the T Cell (Th-17). Dr. Oh states that “We know from first responders and volunteers on 9/11 who were exposed to a toxic mixture of dust, that many years later, prostate cancer is one of the cancers that has shown up in increased incidence compared to age-matched, expected rates of cancer.”

Moreover, Dr. Oh believes that this exposure “increased the inflammatory cascade within the prostate, and this may have contributed to the risk of developing more aggressive prostate cancer.” Furthermore, “Almost 20 years later, it is clear that the incidence of prostate cancer—and the difference between those who were exposed to the dust and age-matched men who were not exposed—is significantly higher in the World Trade Center first responders and volunteers.  We are seeing continued evidence of prostate cancer diagnosis and progression that’s higher than expected, and also more aggressive.”

Early warning signs of prostate cancer are generally rare, so men may show symptoms before being diagnosed. Most commonly, this includes frequent urination (especially at night), difficulty starting or stopping urination, and a weak urine flow. There may also be pain or a burning sensation when urinating. Other symptoms may include sexual function problems from difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection to painful ejaculation. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should consult your physician.

In addition to these symptoms, signs of aggressive prostate cancer may also include:

• Bone pain, especially in the pelvis, ribs, spine or femur (and an increased risk of bone fractures)
• Incontinence, which may mean that cancer may have spread to the spine
• Blood in the urine or semen
• Unexplained weight loss
• Unexplained fever

Men who were at Ground Zero on 9/11 as first responders, in rescue and recovery, in construction or communications, who worked as volunteers, who participated in the clean-up efforts or were otherwise exposed to the toxic dust—and who are experiencing the symptoms of prostate cancer—should seek medical attention and experienced 9/11 legal counsel to get the help they need.

Under the Zadroga Act, survivors of illnesses and diseases linked to 9/11 toxic dust exposure are entitled to benefits for the harm they suffered. There are two programs under this act:

• The World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) is administered by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. This program offers free medical monitoring, medical treatment, and other mental and physical health services to eligible participants. Eligibility requirements include:
  • You must be in one of the groups covered by the WTCHP (FDNY responder, WTC general responder, or a WTC survivor who lived, worked, went to school or was present for the required amount of time) in the NYC Disaster Area between September 11, 2001 and July 31, 2002
  • You must have a 9/11-related illness, such as an airway/digestive condition or one of the more than 70 types of cancers linked to exposure to the toxic dust.
• The September 11^th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) is a federally-funded program that offers financial benefits to survivors and certain family members of deceased victims. In order to receive compensation, you must have a condition that is “certified for treatment” by the World Trade Center Health Program or was verified through the Private Physician process. Economic claims include compensation for loss of present and future income, loss of employment benefits, and out-of-pocket medical expenses. There may also be monetary compensation for non-economic losses for pain and suffering.

In order to get much-needed medical and financial benefits, you must provide documentation, meet deadlines, complete forms and respond to requests from the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund or the World Trade Center Health Program for additional information. Any delay or inaccurate response can mean a delay or even a denial of benefits. The skilled attorneys at Weisfuse & Weisfuse can help ensure that you get the benefits you need when you need them.

Researchers continue to look for answers to help 9/11 victims of aggressive prostate cancer, including immunotherapy treatment which “stimulates the body’s own immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells.”

Our legal staff is ready to help ensure that you get the medical treatment you need and September 11th Victim Compensation Fund monetary compensation that will help you and your family through the process.  To learn more about how we can help, call Weisfuse & Weisfuse, LLP at 212-983-3000 or contact us online to schedule a free and confidential consultation to discuss your concerns and needs.