Melanoma

The Link Between 9/11 and Melanoma

Researchers with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the WTCHP have found elevated rates of skin cancers, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma, among those exposed to the 9/11 toxins compared with the general population.

Melanoma can develop years or even decades after exposure. Because melanoma has a minimum latency period (the time it takes for the cancer to develop) of four years, anyone diagnosed on or after September 11, 2005, may be eligible for certification and compensation. 

The known and direct cause of the skin cancer epidemic in the 9/11 population is the toxic fallout from the collapse of the Twin Towers that contained asbestos, benzene, dioxins, silica, heavy metals, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), all known carcinogens that can damage skin cells and lead to cancer over time.

What Are the Common Signs of Melanoma?

Melanoma most often appears on sun-exposed skin, but it can also develop in areas not typically exposed, including under nails or on the soles of the feet. It's important to watch for signs and to undergo regular screening, as early detection is critical for successful treatment. 

Warning signs of melanoma include:

• Changes in mole size, shape, or color
• A new or unusual growth on the skin
• Dark streaks under nails
• A mole that itches, bleeds, or becomes painful
• Irregular borders or uneven pigmentation of a mole
  
  

Doctors recommend following the ABCDE rule–checking for Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter larger than 6 mm, and evolving appearance– to help spot suspicious moles early.

Anyone who lived or worked in the 9/11 exposure zone and notices skin changes should consult a healthcare provider.

How to Know if You Qualify for Melanoma Compensation From 9/11 Exposure

Eligibility for melanoma compensation depends on two key steps:

1. WTCHP Certification: You must be certified by the WTCHP for melanoma as a 9/11-related condition. Certification confirms the connection between the cancer and your exposure to 9/11 toxins.
2. VCF Registration and Claim Filing: Once certified, you can and should timely register with the VCF and file a claim for financial compensation.

To qualify for compensation through the VCF, you must show:

• Presence in the 9/11 exposure zone between September 11, 2001 and May 30, 2002 (through employment records, leases, utility bills, or witness statements).
• A diagnosis of melanoma after the minimum latency period of four years.
• WTCHP certification of your condition.
  
  

Even if you previously filed a claim for a different condition, you can amend your VCF claim to add a melanoma diagnosis once the condition is certified.

VCF Compensation for 9/11 Melanoma Claims

The Victim Compensation Fund provides awards for both economic and non-economic losses to those diagnosed with melanoma linked to 9/11 exposure.

Awards for economic loss cover tangible financial impacts such as lost wages or diminished earning capacity due to illness or treatment, loss of employment benefits or pension contributions, and out-of-pocket medical expenses not covered by insurance

Awards for non-economic loss provide compensation for pain and suffering based on the severity of the diagnosis, the extent of treatment, and the prognosis. The VCF assigns different award ranges for various types of cancer, with melanoma patients eligible for significant non-economic loss awards.

Wrongful death awards provide compensation if a loved one passed away due to melanoma caused by 9/11 exposure. In this case, the VCF allows a personal representative to file a claim on behalf of the deceased victim’s estate. These claims may include both economic loss (earnings and benefits) and non-economic loss awards to acknowledge the impact on the family.

What Are the Treatment Options For Melanoma?

Once certified by the WTCHP, patients gain access to medical care benefits for melanoma and related conditions through the Health Program’s network of Clinical Centers of Excellence in New York and the Nationwide Provider Network.

Treatments may include:

• Surgical removal of the tumor and surrounding tissue
• Immunotherapy to boost the body’s defenses against cancer cells
• Targeted therapy for specific genetic mutations
• Chemotherapy or radiation therapy for advanced cases
• Regular skin exams and imaging for the prevention of recurrence
  
  

Early detection and treatment significantly improve outcomes and reduce the risk of metastasis to other parts of the body.