9/11 Ovarian Cancer Compensation

9/11 Ovarian Cancer Compensation Claims

Hansen & Rosasco are seeing more clients recently retaining us to help them with 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund related Ovarian Cancer claims. In 2024, about 19,680 women will receive a new diagnosis of ovarian cancer in the US. Ovarian cancer is one of over 70 types of cancer that have been recognized by the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP), which provides medical treatment and monitoring to individuals who were exposed to the 9/11 toxins in downtown Manhattan.

Ovarian cancer involves cells in the ovaries of females that grow abnormally. The ovaries are small reproductive organs that produce eggs and the female hormones progesterone and estrogen for menstruation and pregnancy. Women usually have two ovaries located on each side of the uterus.

The good news is that the five year survival rate for localized ovarian cancer is 93% according to the American Cancer Society. More advanced stages of certain types of ovarian cancers also have good survival rates, and are getting better with new treatment advances. Far fewer women are dying today of ovarian cancer The rate of ovarian cancer deaths has decreased by 40% since 1975. Fortunately, the vast majority of Hansen & Rosasco’s clients with ovarian cancer have had successful outcomes.

Financial compensation is also available for survivors and first responders who have developed a 9/11-certified health condition such as ovarian cancer. 9/11 ovarian cancer compensation claims are handled through the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF), and are awarded for both economic (loss of wages and benefits) and non-economic (pain and suffering) losses related to 9/11 exposure and illnesses.

Ovarian cancer - Printed Diagnosis on Grey Background with Blurred Text and Composition of Pills, Syringe and Stethoscope. Medical Concept. Selective Focus.

The Link Between 9/11 and Ovarian Cancer

When the World Trade Center towers collapsed, they released a cloud of dust and debris that covered the surrounding area for months afterward. Known as WTC dust or 9/11 dust, this 9/11 toxic plume consisted of asbestos, crushed cement, steel, drywall, crushed window glass, and other building materials that were crushed into dust and then burned on the Ground Zero pile for months after 9/11. The dust was a toxic cocktail of various substances, containing a lethal mix of asbestos, lead, glass fibers, and heavy metals. Many of these harmful substances are known carcinogens and other toxins that have been implicated in various types of cancer. While more research needs to be done to show a direct link between 9/11 exposure and ovarian cancer, the WTCHP has classified ovarian cancer as a certified 9/11-related cancer due to the known link between several agents that were present in the toxic cloud from 9/11 and an increased risk of ovarian cancer.

Common Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is a significant concern due to its impact on the reproductive organs and the importance of early detection. If not detected early, ovarian cancer can be very serious. Early detection is key to successfully treating ovarian cancer. Common symptoms of ovarian cancer can be easily mistaken for less serious conditions. These include bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, fatigue, back pain, urinary symptoms such as urgency or frequency, bowel changes, change in menstrual periods,
vaginal bleeding between periods, and fatigue. Due to the nonspecific nature of many of these symptoms, it is recommended for women who were present in the exposure zones to register with the WTCHP for regular health screenings and monitoring.

Ovarian cancer rarely has noticeable symptoms when it is in its earliest stages. As the cancer progresses, subtle symptoms begin to appear, but they still may not be noticed right away, or they may be blamed on other common conditions, such as constipation or an irritable bowel.

How to Know if You Qualify For Ovarian Cancer Compensation From 9/11 Exposure

The 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) was created to provide financial compensation to those who suffered loss from the terrorist attacks. Eligibility for compensation from the VCF for ovarian cancer depends on several factors. These include:

Registering and filing a claim with the VCF by the applicable deadlines;
Evidence of the 9/11-related illness;
Proof of presence in the Exposure Zone between September 11, 2001, and May 30, 2002, along the routes of debris removal, or at one of the other crash sites, including the Pentagon site or the Shanksville, Pennsylvania site; and
Registering with the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) by the deadline to have the 9/11-related health condition certified.
Hansen & Rosasco can help educate you on all the 9/11 claim deadlines and help file your claims correctly.

Ovarian Cancer Treatment Options Through the WTC Health Program

The WTC Health Program provides comprehensive care for 9/11-related health conditions, including ovarian cancer. The type of treatment will depend on the stage and type of cancer. Treatment options for ovarian cancer may involve a combination of more than one type of treatment, including the following:

Surgery: Removal of one or both ovaries and sometimes the uterus as well.
Chemotherapy: Special medicine is used to shrink or kill the cancer. These may be pills taken orally or may be given intravenously.
Targeted Therapy: Drug treatments that target specific weaknesses in cancer cells to destroy them or slow their growth.

Support Resources for Ovarian Cancer Patients

In addition to medical treatment, a range of support resources is available for individuals diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Support groups, counseling services, and financial assistance programs can provide invaluable help and comfort to ovarian cancer patients during this challenging time. Engaging with these resources can offer a sense of community and support, helping patients and their families navigate the journey ahead. The following resources are a great place to start:

National Ovarian Cancer Coalition

Provides a range of resources including ovarian cancer care packages, survivor and caregiver peer support groups, meal delivery, one-on-one professional counseling, financial assistance, and online education programs.

Unite for Her

Offers three wellness programs that educate patients about integrative cancer care and provide them with access to supportive services and resources.

Support Connection

Provides emotional, social, and educational support to women, their families, and friends affected by breast, ovarian, and gynecological cancer.

Bright Pink

Focused on saving lives from breast and ovarian cancer by empowering women to know their risk and manage their health proactively. The organization educates both healthcare providers and patients so that they can have well-informed conversations about prevention.

Contact Hansen & Rosasco 9/11 Attorneys Today To See If You’re Eligible for Compensation

Navigating the process of registering with WTCHP and filing claims for compensation with the VCF can be overwhelming, especially while simultaneously dealing with a cancer diagnosis. Our team of experienced 9/11 attorneys is here to guide you, helping you understand your rights and ensuring that you receive the compensation and medical care you deserve. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer after exposure in the aftermath of 9/11, contact us today for a free consultation to find out if you’re eligible for financial compensation.

“They handled my mother’s claim and did a fantastic job. They were the middle man to the government and we were ecstatic when my mother received the most pain and suffering for her cancer.” -Rebecca F.

Ovarian Cancer