On September 11, 2001, New York’s skyline and identity changed forever. More than 15 years later, many New Yorkers are still experiencing aftershocks of 9/11, often in unexpected ways. Unusual and devastating health conditions continue to affect people who were near the nightmare on 9/11.
Recently, more than a dozen men have been diagnosed with breast cancer after living or working near Ground Zero. Male breast cancer cases are extremely rare, typically making up only one percent of breast cancer diagnoses. According to the World Trade Center Health program, more than 10,000 people have experienced cancer linked to 9/11 and its aftermath.
The 15 men affected include first responders, a police officer, an iron worker and a highway repair professional and a student who lived near Ground Zero. Several others were employed by private businesses in the area. Many of the men were living healthy lives and had no family history of cancer.
“I spent months breathing that crap in. You can wind up with any cancer from being down there,” one survivor told the New York Post. The Goldman Sachs contractor didn’t realize men could get breast cancer until he got a biopsy 10 years after his exposure.
What can those affected do?
Emergency responders and other workers who were at Ground Zero may be able to seek benefits from the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. There may also be compensation available under New York’s workers’ compensation system, Social Security or a personal injury claim. These cases are highly complex and anyone affected should consider speaking with an attorney experienced in serious work injury claims.