May is Bladder Cancer Awareness Month – Here's What to Know if You Have 9/11-Related Bladder Cancer

The 500,000 people who were present during the many months after the 9/11 attacks – first responders, downtown workers, and residents, with many having since been diagnosed with bladder cancer, a cancer known to be caused by the 9/11 fallout. May’s Bladder Cancer Awareness Month brings into focus the known link between 9/11 exposure and bladder cancer, one of the most common cancers in the United States. 

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with bladder cancer and were present anywhere in Lower Manhattan on or during the many months after 9/11, you may be eligible for free healthcare and financial compensation through programs including the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) and the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF). Understanding the symptoms of 9/11-related bladder cancer, how it’s treated, and how to navigate your legal and medical options is essential to receiving the best possible care.

What is Bladder Cancer?

Bladder cancer occurs when cancer cells develop in the tissues of the bladder. The most common form is transitional cell carcinoma, but other forms include squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma.

Like many cancers, bladder cancer is often treatable when detected early. However, advanced bladder cancer can spread to other parts of the body, making it more difficult to treat. Certain risk factors can increase a person’s chance of developing bladder cancer, including smoking, prolonged exposure to chemicals, a history of urinary tract infections or bladder stones, chronic bladder irritation, and a family history of bladder cancer. Individuals exposed to the toxic dust and debris in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks are at an increased risk of bladder cancer due to exposure to the carcinogens released by the attacks.

The Connection Between 9/11 and Bladder Cancer

Following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, thousands of individuals were exposed to a toxic mixture of dust, smoke, chemicals, and debris in and around the World Trade Center site. This included known carcinogens like benzene, asbestos, heavy metals, and diesel exhaust, all of which have been linked to a higher risk of developing various cancers, including bladder cancer.

Although bladder cancer may take years to develop, studies have shown that rates of this cancer are significantly higher among the 9/11 community compared to the general population. Due to this increased risk, bladder cancer is now recognized as a covered condition by the WTCHP, which offers medical treatment to those exposed to 9/11 toxins.

To qualify for no-cost health monitoring and treatment through the WTCHP, a person must meet certain eligibility criteria, including being diagnosed with bladder cancer after the minimum latency period and proving they were present in the exposure zone between September 11, 2001, and May 30, 2002.

Symptoms and Diagnosis of 9/11-Related Bladder Cancer

Recognizing the early signs of bladder cancer can greatly improve the likelihood of successful treatment. Common symptoms of 9/11-related bladder cancer include:

• Blood in the urine (hematuria) — often the first and most noticeable sign
• Pain or burning during urination
• Changes in bladder habits such as frequent urination, urgency to urinate, or inability to urinate
• Pain on one side of the lower back
• Recurrent urinary tract infections
• Feeling tired or weak
• Bone pain
• Swelling in the feet
  
  

These symptoms can be mistaken for less serious conditions, like a bladder infection or kidney stones, so it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider if they persist. Diagnosis typically involves a urinalysis, cystoscopy, imaging tests, and a biopsy of bladder tissue.

The Role of the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF)

If you were in the 9/11 exposure zone and develop bladder cancer, it is crucial to make sure your cancer is certified by the WTCHP. This certification can qualify you for no-cost medical care and allow you to file for financial compensation through the VCF. The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund was created to provide financial relief to individuals diagnosed with 9/11-related conditions, including bladder cancer. This includes compensation for pain and suffering, reimbursement for lost income and out-of-pocket medical expenses due to 9/11-related illness, and wrongful death benefits for families of deceased individuals.

Filing a VCF claim requires medical documentation, proof of presence in the exposure zone, and certification of the condition by the WTCHP. These requirements can be complex and overwhelming, especially for those managing a cancer diagnosis, which is why legal assistance is often critical. Because bladder cancer can return or require ongoing treatment, many bladder cancer claimants find they need to amend their claims when their condition worsens. A 9/11 attorney can also help you navigate the amendment process.

Treatment Options for Your 9/11-Related Bladder Cancer

Treatment for bladder cancer depends on how advanced the disease is when diagnosed. Options may include:

• Surgery to remove cancerous tissue or, in some cases, the entire bladder
• Intravesical therapy, where medication is inserted directly into the bladder
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Immunotherapy, which helps your immune system target cancer cells
  
  

Adopting a healthy lifestyle, avoiding smoking, and eating plenty of fruits and vegetables can support recovery. Through the WTCHP, eligible individuals receive medical care for free, including cancer screenings, diagnostics, and treatment, which can ease the financial burden that often accompanies cancer care.

How a 9/11 Cancer Attorney Can Help

Navigating the WTCHP and VCF processes can be daunting. A skilled 9/11 cancer attorney can:

• Help you gather the necessary medical records and proof of presence
• Ensure your condition is properly certified by the WTCHP
• File a timely and accurate claim with the VCF
• Help you amend your claim to pursue additional compensation if your condition worsens or if you become permanently disabled
  
  

At Hansen & Rosasco, LLP, our attorneys have dedicated their careers to supporting the 9/11 community. We understand the unique challenges faced by those with 9/11-related bladder cancer, and we can guide you through every step of the VCF claims and WCTHP certification process.

Bladder Cancer Awareness Month is a time to raise awareness, not just of the disease, but of the people living with it, especially those who developed cancer after being exposed to 9/11 toxins. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with bladder cancer and was in Lower Manhattan in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks, help is available. You may be eligible for free medical treatment and financial compensation. Contact a 9/11 attorney at Hansen & Rosasco, LLP today to discuss your options and ensure your rights are fully protected.