9/11 Ovarian Cancer Claim

Ovarian cancer is another cancer linked to living, working, or studying in the Exposure Zone post-9/11. Breathing in toxic air, filled with dust—which contained several dangerous substances, including asbestos, chromium, and benzene—has led to long-term health complications and even death. In 2010, the James Zadroga Health and Compensation Act was established to provide medical treatment and compensation to 9/11 survivors and first responders. Named for the first NYPD officer to succumb to a 9/11-related illness, the Zadroga Act is comprised of two parts—the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP), which covers related medical care, and the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF), which provides compensation for lost income, emotional pain and suffering, and other associated damages.

The incidence of disease resulting from being present at Ground Zero or within the Exposure Zone is shocking. About 74% of responders enrolled in The World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) have been diagnosed with at least one physical or mental health condition directly linked to 9/11 exposure, including 20% with cancer and 28% with a mental health condition. But you need not be a first responder to qualify for compensation. Because the toxic cloud remained in the area for at least eight months after 9/11, residents and workers who returned to the area are eligible for compensation.

The WTC Health Program now recognizes ovarian cancer as a 9/11-related health condition. The WTC Health Program 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 woman who has developed ovarian 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 WTC Health Program for medical treatment, and filing a 9/11 ovarian cancer claim through the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund for compensation right away.

Ovarian cancer is one of the cancers linked to 9/11 toxic exposure. Women who lived, worked, and studied in the Exposure Zone, who are now suffering from ovarian cancer or have lost a loved one to ovarian 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 for a free and confidential consultation.

Ovarian cancer is an insidious disease targeting the ovaries in a woman’s body. Ovaries are the female reproductive organs that contain the eggs needed for childbearing. It is an extremely dangerous cancer because most women do not notice the subtle body changes until the cancer has spread.

The most common symptoms, even early stage disease, include:

• Bloating
• Pelvic or abdominal (belly) pain
• Trouble eating or feeling full quickly
• Urinary symptoms such as urgency (always feeling like you have to go) or frequency (having to go often)

Other symptoms of ovarian cancer can include:

• Fatigue (extreme tiredness)
• Upset stomach
• Back pain
• Pain during sex
• Constipation
• Changes in a woman’s period, such as heavier bleeding than normal or irregular bleeding
• Abdominal (belly) swelling with weight loss

Any woman concerned that she might have ovarian cancer should seek immediate medical attention from a gynecologist. Even early-stage ovarian cancer can be detected with medical imaging—ultrasound, CT scans, MRI, PET scan, and X-rays. In addition, blood tests can detect the presence of ovarian cancer by looking for tumor markers as well as elevated white blood cell counts, diminished red blood cell counts, and platelet abnormalities.

In 2012, Ovarian Cancer was added to the list of cancers resulting from exposure to toxic fumes and breathing air in the Exposure Zone post 9/11. Other female cancers, such as cancer of the vulva, vagina, and cervix, are not considered to be related to the inhalation of 9/11 toxic fumes.

Although less common than other cancers among first responders and survivors, ovarian cancer is a dangerous disease because it does not reveal itself with dramatic symptoms until the disease has advanced. However, even later stage ovarian cancer is treatable. Treatment might include local treatments, such as surgery to remove one or both ovaries, surgery to remove ovaries and uterus, or radiation, and/or; systemic treatment such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapies using newly developed genetic medicines.

Survival rates for the various types of ovarian cancer depend upon the stage when detected as well as other factors: age and overall health, and how well the cancer responds to treatment.

Localized ovarian cancer responds well to treatment with survival rates well into 90% when viewed five years after diagnosis. Even regional spread can be successfully treated. However, early detection of ovarian cancer has an enormous impact on overall survival rates, which is why you should consult with a medical doctor as soon as you notice any changes to your abdominal or reproductive systems, especially if you lived, worked, or studied within the Exposure Zone during the critical times of September 11th, 2001 and May 30th, 2002.

The experienced legal team at Weisfuse & Weisfuse, LLP has helped many 9/11 ovarian cancer victims obtain compensation. If you believe your ovarian cancer is linked to exposure to 9/11 carcinogens, contact our skilled legal team to file a 9/11 ovarian cancer claim. At Weisfuse & Weisfuse, LLP, our experienced attorneys will rigorously pursue full compensation for you and your family.

Our 9/11 victim 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.