Deion Sanders’ Bladder Cancer Diagnosis Highlights a Growing Concern Among 9/11 Victims

At age 57, University of Colorado head football coach and NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders recently revealed that he was diagnosed with bladder cancer that resulted in having his bladder removed. Fortunately, the cancer was caught early during routine testing, and Sanders is now recovering and considered cancer-free.

While Sanders’ case made headlines due to his public profile, his story is unfortunately all too familiar to the clients we serve; 9/11 victims who are being diagnosed with serious illnesses decades after their exposure.

A Cancer with Few Early Warning Signs

Bladder cancer is one of the 70+ cancers officially linked to exposure to toxic dust and debris from the 9/11 attacks. Despite its severity, bladder cancer can develop silently, often with no noticeable symptoms in its early stages. As Sanders himself said, “I didn’t have any signs.” That’s something we hear too often from our clients, many of whom were downtown workers, teachers, students, or residents in Lower Manhattan who never thought their time near Ground Zero could one day result in a serious illness.

Bladder cancer is one of the many cancers officially recognized by both the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) and the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF). Individuals exposed to the toxic dust and fumes on and after 9/11 may now be eligible for free lifetime healthcare and significant financial compensation if diagnosed with this condition, even if it appeared years after the attacks.

Undergoing surgery, adjusting to a new normal, managing chronic side effects, and everyday mobility issues are all too common for our clients. And like Sanders, many 9/11 victims never shared the full details with their families, choosing to focus on supporting others or simply trying to carry on with life as usual. This is why awareness is so important.

Eligibility for Medical and Financial Support

If you or a loved one were in Lower Manhattan between September 11, 2001, and May 30, 2002, and have since been diagnosed with bladder cancer, or another 9/11-related illness, you may qualify for:

• Lifetime medical treatment at no cost through the WTCHP
• Tax-free compensation from the VCF, which can include payments for lost earnings, out-of-pocket expenses, and pain and suffering
• Support for family members in the case of a wrongful death caused by a 9/11-related illness

Even if you were recently diagnosed, or if you're not sure whether you qualify, we’re here to help.

How Hansen & Rosasco Can Help

As Sanders said at his press conference, “Let’s stop being ashamed of it and let’s deal with it. And let’s deal with it head on.” At Hansen & Rosasco, we’ve helped thousands of 9/11 victims and families do just that, while getting the support and justice they deserve. Our team can get you registered with VCF, help get your 9/11-related condition certified by the WTCHP, and submit a claim to the VCF on your behalf. 

If you’ve been diagnosed with bladder cancer or any other condition potentially linked to 9/11 exposure, contact us today.