Why Younger 9/11 Survivors Need Early Colon Cancer Screenings

For younger people who were present in lower Manhattan between 9/11 and the many months after, early colon cancer screenings can be lifesaving. Here we explore the connection between 9/11 exposure and colon cancer, why younger survivors are at greater risk for developing colon cancer, what symptoms to watch for, and the legal and medical resources that are available.

Colon cancer has typically been known as a disease that affects people over the age of 50. However, recent research has shown a troubling trend: colon cancer is increasingly being diagnosed in younger adults. For individuals who were exposed to the aftermath of 9/11, this risk is even greater. Studies have linked exposure to toxic dust, smoke, and other harmful substances at Ground Zero and surrounding areas to higher rates of digestive cancers, including colon and rectal cancer, also known as colorectal cancer.

9/11 Exposure and Its Connection to Colon Cancer

In the aftermath of the September 11th attacks, thousands of responders, residents, students, downtown workers, and others who were in the area were exposed to toxic dust, debris, and fumes. The dust cloud that blanketed Lower Manhattan contained more than 2,500 contaminants, including asbestos, benzene, dioxins, and heavy metals. Many of these substances are known carcinogens, meaning they increase the risk of developing various cancers over time, including colon cancer. Individuals present in the Exposure Zone breathed in the toxic air, which lingered and settled on surfaces, for months following the attacks. 

The World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) has recognized colorectal cancer as a 9/11-related condition. This recognition establishes a clear link between exposure at Ground Zero and the increased likelihood of colorectal cancer developing years or even decades later. For individuals who lived, worked, or went to school in the Exposure Zone, this means they face risks of developing cancer that are greater than those of the general population.

Why Younger 9/11 Survivors Are at Higher Risk for Colon Cancer

Colorectal cancer is one of the few cancers with a rising incidence among younger people. According to the American Cancer Society, people under 50 are now more likely to be diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer compared to previous decades. But that’s not the only reason younger individuals who were present in the aftermath of 9/11 are at a higher risk for colon cancer. Each phase in a person’s development has different sensitivities to the effects of environmental toxicants. As people age, changes in their physiology and body composition, including organ system functions and central nervous system development, affect the absorption, distribution, storage, metabolism, and excretion of toxins in their bodies. Individuals exposed to toxic dust at a young age, whether as children or teenagers, are therefore more susceptible to damage from the toxins that were exposed to the 9/11 dust or fumes. 

Common Signs and Symptoms of Colon Cancer

Early colon cancer often develops without noticeable symptoms, which makes regular screening even more important to ensure early detection. However, there are several warning signs that individuals should be aware of:

• Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
• Unexplained weight loss
• Persistent abdominal pain or cramping
• Changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or narrower stools lasting more than a few days)
• A feeling that the bowel does not empty completely
• Fatigue or weakness caused by iron-deficiency anemia

Because these symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for other digestive issues, individuals with a history of 9/11 exposure should be particularly cautious and seek medical advice promptly if symptoms occur.

Current Screening Guidelines and Their Limitations

For the general public, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and American Cancer Society recommend that colorectal cancer screenings begin at age 45 for both men and women at average risk. Those with a family history of colorectal cancer or other risk factors are often advised to begin screening at the age of 40, or ten years before the age of diagnosis of a family member.

However, these guidelines do not fully reflect the unique risks faced by 9/11 survivors. Many individuals exposed to toxic substances at Ground Zero were children or were in their teens or twenties at the time. Now, two decades later, they are still younger than the standard screening age but face an elevated risk of developing cancer.

This gap in current screening recommendations underscores why those present in the aftermath of 9/11 need personalized medical advice through the WTCHP or their network of healthcare providers. Screening before age 45 can ensure early detection of cancer.

Available Colon Cancer Screening Options

There are several effective screening methods for colon and rectal cancer. Each has its own benefits and limitations:

• Colonoscopy: The most comprehensive screening, which allows doctors to view the entire large intestine and remove polyps during the procedure. Recommended every 10 years if no abnormalities are found.
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy: Examines the rectum and lower part of the colon. Typically recommended every 5 years.
• Fecal immunochemical test (FIT): A stool-based test that detects hidden blood in the stool. Recommended annually.
• Stool DNA test: Detects genetic markers of cancer in stool samples. Usually done every 3 years.

Individuals enrolled in the WTCHP are eligible for free cancer screenings and medical treatment.

Legal and Compensation Considerations for 9/11 Survivors with Colon Cancer

In addition to medical care, individuals diagnosed with 9/11-related colon cancer may be entitled to financial compensation through the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF). The VCF provides awards for both economic losses, such as medical bills, lost wages and benefits, and reduced future earning capacity, and non-economic losses, which include the physical toll of the illness.

Importantly, survivors do not need to have been first responders to qualify. Anyone who lived, worked, went to school, or spent significant time in the exposure zone during or after 9/11 may be eligible for compensation if they were later diagnosed with a 9/11-related illness such as colon or rectal cancer.

Contact a 9/11 VCF Attorney for Help with Screening and Claims

For younger people exposed on 9/11, the increased risk of colon cancer is a reality that cannot be ignored. Early screenings can improve outcomes by detecting cancer when it is most treatable. 

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer after 9/11 exposure, consider speaking with a 9/11 VCF attorney about registering with the WTCHP for medical monitoring and care, and filing a claim for compensation with the VCF. Legal guidance can make the registration and claims process easier. Attorneys experienced in 9/11 claims can help gather medical evidence, ensure WTCHP certification, and maximize the compensation survivors receive. They can guide you through both the medical and legal processes, ensuring you receive appropriate screenings, healthcare, and compensation for your condition. Contact a dedicated attorney at Hansen & Rosasco, LLP today for a free consultation.