After the devastating attacks on September 11th, 2001, a number of conditions—including dozens of cancers—have been linked to exposure to toxins in the aftermath. The WTC Health Program has a list of officially 9/11-associated cancers that make victims eligible free healthcare and for financial compensation through the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund.

However, there is a notable gap in the list of cancers on the WTC Health Program list: uterine cancer. Women’s health advocates claim that the exclusion of uterine cancer from the list of WTC related health conditions is a result of data and research strongly favoring male subjects to female subjects by about four to one.

The Office of the World Trade Center Health Administrator wrote in a September 24 Federal Register notice that there was not sufficient evidence to add “Uterine cancer, including its subtype, endometrial cancer,” to the list of 9/11-associated cancers eligible for free healthcare and compensation. This announcement came after review of “the scientific and medical literature, including information provided by the petitioner,” the office said.

This research, however, may be skewed in part by most of the data coming being specifically about male patients. Uterine cancer (also known as endometrial cancer) is specific to people with uteruses, and treatment can often require the removal of the uterus itself.

Female 9/11 first-responders claim that not enough research has been done into the effects of contamination from 9/11 toxins on women. Because of this, they claim, more expectation is placed on the evidence required of women who are attempting to show a connection between their medical condition and toxic 9/11 exposure.

“If I am doing this [medical] investigation and we are using men as our research subjects and then think we will apply that [research] to women, that’s a medical problem,” said retired FDNY Captain Brenda Berkman to The Chief. Berkman served at Ground Zero in the aftermath of 9/11 until cleanup was over. “That’s a scientific problem that has affected women’s medical treatment across the general population that is particularly acute in the emergency services,” Berkman said.

Filing a 9/11 Uterine Cancer Lawsuit

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with uterine cancer or one of the WTC related health conditions after exposure to toxins in the aftermath of 9/11, you may be able to file a lawsuit and pursue WTC cancer compensation.

Of course, filing a lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering caused by cancer or other serious conditions, nor can it bring a loved one back to life, but it can at least help to alleviate the financial burden incurred by medical expenses, lost wages, and more.

The prospect of filing a lawsuit can be daunting, so Top Class Actions has laid the groundwork for you by connecting you with an experienced attorney. Consulting an attorney can help you determine if you have a claim, navigate the complexities of litigation, and maximize your potential compensation.