First responders and other people in the vicinity of the September 11 attacks could be at risk of developing 9/11 related cancer. 9/11 related cancer claims have increased in recent years, as it could have taken a long period of time for the cancer to develop after inhaling or being exposed to dangerous chemicals and other compounds in the wake of the national tragedy.

While some people began to experience medical problems just a few years later, prompting national action to create a victim’s fund, others are just now experiencing the fallout from trying to help during that historic day.

One firefighter was only 21 years old when he started his new position as a firefighter in New York City. The day before the attack, he officially left the academy and was called into action the following day when terrorists brought down the twin towers of the World Trade Center.

Many different first responders who were on the scene at that day could be at risk of developing 9/11 related cancer. Many first responders were hauling chunks of building material, trying to find survivors and were exposed to dioxins, glass fibers, lead, cement, asbestos and other dangerous chemicals.

The exposure and inhalation from this event could have led to 9/11 related cancer. 17 years later, thousands of first responders have been diagnosed with what they believe is 9/11 related cancer as a result of the time they spent fighting and trying to save lives in lower Manhattan.

Among the 2,753 people who perished in the 9/11 attack, there were 343 paramedics and firefighters. Since then, more than 150 people in that category have died. Several different programs have attempted to keep track of the health problems associated with people affected by the 9/11 attack and the number of claims linked to 9/11 cancer.

There is currently a federally funded program for people who have documented illnesses, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, long term care issues caused by injuries, asthma and respirator concerns and dozens of different types of cancers.

Many of those first responders who have developed 9/11 cancer have turned to the Victims Compensation Fund in order to get support to pay their medical bills. A 2010 law established the World Trade Center Health Program that helps people identify their illnesses that could be connected to the toxic exposure.

Asbestos-connected forms of 9/11 related cancer can take as long as two decades for symptoms to begin showing and physicians who have worked with many of the first responders who have initiated their 9/11 related cancer claims believe that they can expect to see rising cancer rates since this is approximately the time that a person who was exposed in 2001 could begin to experience symptoms.

While many of the cancers are treatable, lung related and asbestos related cancers can be some of the most severe and painful. If you know someone who has developed 9/11 related cancer, you or that person may be eligible to recover compensation through the Victims Compensation Fund.