Alice Turing
More than 20 years after the fall of the Twin Towers, 9/11 survivors continue to fight a silent enemy: Cancer. And prostate cancer is among the most common battlegrounds. But, this diagnosis is uniquely different in that it’s much more aggressive than conventional prostate cancer.
Considering how quickly it progresses, it’s vital for 9/11 survivors to be vigilant and stick to the most effective practical management strategies. Thankfully, there are a number of options and compensation resources to consider, making it a bit easier to manage the diagnosis.
The Connection Between Prostate Cancer and 9/11 Exposure
When Twin Towers fell on Sep 11, 2001, a toxic cloud erupted that included a combination of carcinogens, such as asbestos, lead, glass fibers, silica, cement, benzene, and dioxins. It has been shown that people exposed to these carcinogens have a greater incidence of prostate cancer.
Research by a team at Mount Sinai Icahn School of Medicine on 28, 729 responders discovered that 9/11-exposed individuals have a 25% higher risk of developing prostate cancer than the average population. In fact, certain groups of people have a higher incidence, at 40%.
Practical Management Strategies to Consider
The treatment for prostate cancer, whether it’s from 9/11 exposure or not, is dependent on how aggressive the cancer is, how early it was detected, and how healthy you are. Still, there are some core management strategies to consider:
- Enroll in the WTCHP immediately. This way, you will automatically qualify for free screening, diagnostic studies, or specialist care at designated centers without paying anything.
- Schedule follow-ups with your urologist or medical oncologist. They will check your PSA level and Gleason Score, and keep tabs on cancer progression. This way, you can also fine-tune your treatment plan considering how you respond to medical interventions.
- Consider radiation or surgery if needed. If you have rapidly progressing cancer, you may have to go for a radical prostatectomy to remove the prostate or use radiation therapy to keep cancer under control.
- Join support groups and peer support networks to share your experience and learn how others manage their condition and maintain prostate health. This support is valuable when it comes to dealing with feelings of loneliness.
- Seek financial assistance with treatment expenses. You can contact organizations such as CancerCare and The Prostate Cancer Foundation to get some help with co-payments, medications, etc.
Compensation Resources for 9/11-Related Prostate Cancer
You can access support through government-funded programs initiated by the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. However, you must first get your cancer certified by the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP).
The WTCHP offers you lifetime medical benefits for every aspect of your documented case of prostate cancer, from screening to treatments and medications at no cost. You will also be able to access specialists at different program-affiliated medical centers.
On the other hand, the Sep 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) is available to compensate for economic and non-economic losses. It’s worth mentioning that in the case of prostate cancer, the presumptive non-economic baseline award is $200,000, which covers pain, suffering, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life.
Endnote
If you’ve been affected by toxins from the 9/11 attack, resulting in prostate cancer, you must act now. Applying for WTCHP benefits and submitting a VCF claim is essential because it ensures you receive all the medical attention you need as well as the compensation you deserve. And don’t forget to consult a certified attorney for your 9/11 case to ensure you have a strong case that helps you secure long-term health care.
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I'm Alice and I live with a dizzying assortment of invisible disabilities, including ADHD and fibromyalgia. I write to raise awareness and end the stigma surrounding mental and chronic illnesses of all kinds.
