Numerous New York residents and employees who were present at Ground Zero between Sept. 11, 2001 and May 31, 2002, may be at risk for World Trade Center cancer. Over a decade after the devastating terror attacks, people who were present at the time of the attack continue to face trauma in the form of chronic health problems, including increased risk of World Trade Center cancer.

A compensation fund in the amount of $7.3 billion for 9/11 victims was established to help these people suffering from World Trade Center cancer and other health problems.

Effects of World Trade Center Cancer

Deceased New York State trooper Mike Anson had been present at the site of Ground Zero, helping numerous people trying to escape the debris from the Twin Towers while inhaling toxic fumes. Even though Mike had been fine for over a decade, he was suddenly diagnosed with an aggressive World Trade Center cancer.

According to his wife Suzanne, they never saw the cancer diagnosis coming and that it “happened so fast.” However, Mike was not the only first responder who fell ill from World Trade Center cancer, with Mount Sinai Hospital’s Jeannie Kelly stating that many first responders she treats are now sick.

Jeannie states that cases like Mike’s are becoming increasingly common, and that anyone who was near Ground Zero during the attack should get themselves checked for cancer, and that they can do so for free.

“What I’m seeing is those responders who weren’t sick are getting sick, and those responders who were sick are getting sicker,” Jeannie told Indianapolis’s WISH-TV. Early diagnosis of World Trade Center cancer can mean the difference between life and death.

After the upset of the terrorist attacks, over one million people were exposed to toxic substances during the eight-month cleanup period. Thousands of victims have already been diagnosed with World Trade Center cancer, and have already filed claims and receive money from the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund.

The 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund was specifically formed to help persons who sustained physical injury after being exposed to harmful toxins that were released into the air as a result of the terror attacks.

Some of the toxic substances released into the air included asbestos, aluminum, glass, and burned jet fuel. Over 70 variants of cancer are eligible for the compensation fund, as long as the diagnosis was made four or more years after the attacks.

However, patients with blood or bone cancers could be eligible in just one year after diagnosis. Individuals who are at risk or developed World Trade Center cancer may include, but certainly not limited to:

• First Responders
• Firefighters, Police Officers and EMTs
• Sanitation Workers
• Construction Workers
• City Workers
• Utility Workers
• Cleaners
• 9/11 Volunteers
• Out-of-State Responders
• Employees who were employed by businesses below Canal Street
• Residents living below Canal Street
• Students attending school below Canal Street