9/11 Prostate Cancer Lawyers

The World Trade Center Health Program was started to help survivors as they deal with and recover from diseases related to 9/11. If you or a loved one suffer from 9/11 prostate cancer, contact a 9/11 benefits attorney at Pitta & Baione LLP to learn if your prostate cancer may be covered by the program.

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosis among members of the World Trade Center Health Program (WTC). As discussed in our recent blog posts, it is estimated that 500,000 people were exposed to WTC dust and 9/11 toxins on, and in the months following, September 11, 2001. Of the 500,000 people exposed, only 75,000 have enrolled in the WTC Program.

Understanding Prostate Cancer in September 11th Survivors 

Prostate cancer is found in the prostate gland of men when cells begin to grow out of control. It is very common, and about one out of nine men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. The most common type of prostate cancer is adenocarcinoma, which is cancer that forms from the gland cells in the prostate. Other types of prostate cancer are small cell carcinomas, neuroendocrine tumors, transitional cell carcinoma, and sarcoma. Usually if caught early, prostate cancer can be completely treated.

How common is prostate cancer in 9/11 victims

In 2013, epidemiologists reviewed data on 20,984 responders collected by the World Trade Center Health Program at Mount Sinai Hospital between 2001 and 2008. The study revealed that responders were diagnosed with prostate cancer at a rate 17 percent higher than the general population. Prompted in part by the results of this study, in May 2013 the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association petitioned the World Trade Center Health Program Administrator Dr. John Howard to include prostate cancer on the list of covered conditions. Prior to this petition, the World Trade Center Health Program covered over 60 other forms of cancer, but not prostate. Dr. Howard reviewed the study, along with additional research showing increased prevalence of prostate cancer among 9/11 survivors exposed population, and decided to add it to the list of covered conditions on July 2, 2013.

New research shows that prostate cancer is being diagnosed at an unexpected, alarming rate among men who worked at or around Ground Zero. Specifically, three consecutive studies reveal a diagnosis rate higher than that of the general population. One 2016 issue of the American Journal of Industrial Medicine, which was dedicated entirely to 9/11-related illnesses, included a study of 24,000 9/11 first responders that revealed prostate cancer as the most common form of cancer. The study detailed 685 cancer diagnoses. Prostate cancer accounted for nearly 33% of all male illnesses.

Dr. Michael Crane, director of the World Trade Center Health Program at Mount Sinai Hospital, commented “We are seeing some very young men with prostate cancer. The youngest one is 34. Some guys have walked through the door of our center with very advanced-stage disease, and I can tell you this is something that is very rough on their families.”

Symptoms and Diagnosis of 9/11 Prostate Cancer

Symptoms of prostate cancer include changes in urination, blood in urine or semen, and erectile dysfunction. Diagnosing prostate cancer also involves other common cancer diagnostic tools such as biopsy, blood testing, MRI, and x-ray to determine if and how much the cancer has spread. Determining the extent of the cancer will help develop a treatment plan. 

Treatment Options for World Trade Center Survivors 

Since prostate cancer can be diagnosed fairly early in many cases, treatment may completely remove the cancer and prevent it from returning. Common treatments are surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, hormone therapy, and other targeted medications. Due to the prostate being involved in this cancer, various doctors may be involved in treatment, including urologists, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists. With a thorough team of doctors and a detailed treatment plan, 9/11 prostate cancer is survivable.

Contact a 9/11 Prostate Cancer Lawyer

You do not have to suffer from prostate cancer alone. If you or a loved one suffer from prostate cancer related to exposure from September 11th, contact a 9/11 prostate cancer attorney at Pitta & Baione by completing our online contact form or calling us at 844-982-2667.

Pitta & Baione LLP Successful Claims

BREAST CANCER

^$3+ Million

Secured an expedited award for a former Lower Manhattan corporate executive who developed 9/11 breast cancer.

BRAIN CANCER

^$1.95+ Million

Favorable result secured for an NYPD detective who responded to the attacks and later suffered from 9/11 brain cancer.

LUNG CANCER

^$1.76+ Million

Secured a wrongful death claim on behalf of a union carpenter who worked on the 9/11 cleanup efforts at Ground Zero and was later diagnosed with 9/11 lung cancer.

THYROID CANCER

^$1.65+ Million

Secured a favorable result for an area worker in Lower Manhattan who later developed 9/11 thyroid cancer.

BRAIN CANCER

^$1.7+ Million

Secured an expedited award for New York State Supreme Court employee who was disabled by 9/11 brain cancer.

LEUKEMIA

^$1.3+ Million

Secured a wrongful death award on behalf of a Lower Manhattan corporate executive who was diagnosed with 9/11 leukemia.

LUNG CANCER

^$1.1+ Million

Secured an expedited award for a union carpenter who worked in Lower Manhattan after 9/11 and was later found disabled by 9/11 lung cancer.

LUNG DISEASE

^$1.1+ Million

Secured an expedited award for a Local 94 operating engineer who worked in Lower Manhattan after 9/11 and was later found disabled by 9/11 lung disease.

NASAL CAVITY CANCER

^$1+ Million

Secured an xpedited award for a DSNY sanitation worker who assisted in the 9/11 cleanup efforts at Ground Zero and was later diagnosed with 9/11 nasal cavity cancer.

BRAIN CANCER

^$1+ Million

Secured an expedited award for a New York City Department of Corrections corrections officer who served as a volunteer responder on 9/11 and later developed a disabling and rare 9/11 brain cancer.

LUNG CANCER

^$960+ Thousand

Secured a favorable result for a wrongful death claim on behalf of a TWU Local 100 MTA worker who participated in the 9/11 recovery efforts and later developed 9/11 lung cancer.

COLON CANCER

^$770+ Thousand

Successfully represented an union carpenter who built temporary structures at Ground Zero as a 9/11 responder and later developed disabling 9/11 colon cancer.

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