For months following the September 11th attacks on the World Trade Center, Lower Manhattan was enveloped in toxic dust. Many of the people who lived, worked, and studied in the area surrounding the towers, and the responders who worked tirelessly at Ground Zero, were seriously injured as a result. The inhalation of this dust—which contained several dangerous substances, including asbestos, chromium, and benzene—has led to long-term health complications and even death.
The World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) recognizes breast cancer as a 9/11-related health condition. The WTCHP determines the types of cancers covered based on medical studies showing the frequency of certain cancers among 9/11 survivors and responders compared to the unexposed population. It also bases its decision on the existence of any peer-reviewed medical studies that link a type of cancer to the kinds of carcinogens found in the Exposure Zone.
Any individual who has developed breast cancer and was present in the Exposure Zone between September 11th, 2001 and May 30th, 2002, should contact Weisfuse & Weisfuse, LLP to discuss applying to the WTCHP for medical treatment, and filing a 9/11 breast cancer claim through the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund for compensation right away.
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers linked to 9/11 toxic exposure. 9/11 responders and other individuals who lived, worked, and studied in the Exposure Zone, who are now suffering from breast cancer or have lost a loved one to breast cancer, may be eligible to receive substantial compensation by filing a claim with the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF). The legal team at Weisfuse & Weisfuse, LLP has helped countless victims of 9/11-related illnesses obtain the compensation they deserve in a timely manner. Victims can contact us today at 212-983-3000 for a free and confidential consultation.
What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the breast, though it can spread to other parts of the body. After skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting American women.
Symptoms of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer symptoms vary widely, depending on the type of breast cancer, the breast’s density and composition, and the stage of cancer. However, some of the most common symptoms include:
- Swelling
- Irritation of the skin on or around the breast
- Skin dimpling
- Breast pain
- Nipple pain
- Nipple inversion
- Changes to the breast skin
- Nipple discharge
- Lump on the breast or underarm area
Anyone concerned that they might have breast cancer should seek immediate medical attention. Depending on the type and stage of breast cancer, treatment can be local only, such as a lumpectomy (removing the lump) or mastectomy (removing the entire breast). Treatment can also involve radiation, chemotherapy, and/or hormone therapy.
Breast Cancer Medical Source: https://www.healthline.com/health/breast-cancer
9/11 and Breast Cancer Development
Among victims present in the Exposure Zone from September 11th, 2001 to May 30th, 2002, breast cancer is one of the most common cancers found. At first, the link between breast cancer and WTC response was considered weak, severely limiting the kind of care and compensation available to victims suffering from 9/11-related breast cancer.
Following further research, however, experts determined that exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), one of the substances found in the toxic WTC dust, increases the risk of developing breast cancer. As a result of these findings, breast cancer was certified by the WTCHP in 2013 as a qualifying medical condition for both health care and compensation. This is also true for victims of male breast cancer. As such, these victims may be able to obtain compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related expenses by filing a VCF breast cancer claim.
Rare Male Breast Cancer Development Following September 11th
While breast cancer is most commonly thought of as a concern only for women, following the 9/11 tragedies, there has been an abnormal increase in rare male breast cancer development. While traditionally less than 1% of all breast cancers occur in men, anyone present in the Ground Zero exposure zone should monitor their health for any abnormal symptoms.
Contact Weisfuse & Weisfuse, LLP Today
The experienced legal team at Weisfuse & Weisfuse, LLP has helped many 9/11 breast cancer victims obtain compensation. If you believe your breast cancer is linked to exposure to 9/11 carcinogens, contact our skilled legal team to file a 9/11 breast cancer claim. Our attorneys leave no stone unturned in making the strongest possible case so that you receive the maximum compensation you are entitled to.
Our attorneys distinguish themselves by providing personal attention and careful examination of each claim. Our attorneys always submit optional impact statements to the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund which are supported by medical proof of the pain and suffering for each client to maximize the value of each claim. Our attorneys are readily available to guide you through this process every step of the way. Call Weisfuse & Weisfuse, LLP at 212-983-3000 for a free and confidential consultation.
