Prostate Cancer, Treatment, and the 9/11 Cancer Fund

Prostate cancer was added to the list of covered cancers eligible for treatment by the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) in October 2013 and also for compensation by the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (sometimes called the 911 Cancer Fund).  Prostate cancer and other 9/11 related cancers and conditions have been prevalent among first responders who were exposed to multitudes of carcinogens during the rescue and cleanup operations after 9/11.

9/11 Responders and Cancer Studies

In April 2013, a medical journal highlighted the results of a five year study of 9/11 first responders. These rescue and recovery workers were 15% more likely to have thyroid cancer, multiple myeloma and prostate cancer. In early 2013, however, prostate cancer was not on the list of cancers eligible for treatment or compensation.  911 Cancer Fund lawyers and advocates were hearing from 9/11 responders with prostate cancer seeking treatment and compensation and notifying them that neither the WTCHP nor the 9/11 Cancer Fund could help them.

That all changed when prostate cancer was added to the list of 9/11-related cancers under the 911 Cancer Fund in October 2013. Now, 9/11 responders and survivors diagnosed with prostate cancer can claim compensation just like victims of other 9/11-related cancer.

Of course it is not only first responders who are being diagnosed with prostate cancer due to their exposure to the dust and smoke in the aftermath of 9/11. Wall Street traders, office workers, service workers and residents of Lower Manhattan are making claims with the 911 Cancer Fund as well. Responders, clean up workers, and survivors diagnosed with prostate cancer who have not registered with the 911 Cancer Fund should do so as soon as possible.

Read more about the 911 Cancer Fund here….