Barasch & McGarry Recognizes Testicular Cancer Awareness Month

April is Testicular Cancer Awareness Month.

Young men between the ages of 15 and 35 generally have the highest risk of developing testicular cancer.

But individuals who were exposed to Ground Zero toxins in Lower Manhattan on and after 9/11 also have a higher risk of developing testicular cancer, along with 68 other types of cancer and many respiratory illnesses.

According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 9,190 new cases of testicular cancer will be diagnosed in 2022. About 1 in every 250 men will develop testicular cancer during his lifetime.

Barasch & McGarry represents nearly 150 9/11 first responders and survivors who have been diagnosed with testicular cancer.

The symptoms of testicular cancer include: a lump or enlargement in either testicle, a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum, a dull ache in the abdomen or groin, a sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum, pain or discomfort in a testicle or the scrotum, enlargement or tenderness of the breasts, and back pain, the Mayo Clinic advises.

Key risk factors for testicular cancer are an undescended testicle, abnormal testicle development, family history, age, and exposure to Ground Zero toxins.

If you are at risk for testicular cancer, speak with your primary health care provider about accessing diagnostic exams to determine if there are any problems, and report if you detect any pain, swelling or lumps in your testicles or groin area, especially if these signs and symptoms last longer than two weeks.

Remember that if you are diagnosed with 9/11-related testicular cancer, your family medical history and pre-existing conditions will not affect your eligibility for free health care or compensation. 

If you were there in Lower Manhattan, the government presumes your cancer was the result of exposure to Ground Zero toxins.

If you are diagnosed with testicular cancer or any other 9/11-related cancers or respiratory illnesses, Barasch & McGarry can help you access resources through the free World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program and the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF).

The health program provides comprehensive medical care to 9/11 victims for their 9/11-related illnesses.

The victim fund offers tax-free awards for pain and suffering, lost earnings, and benefits for surviving spouses and family members.

For the WTC Health Program, the exposure zone consists of all of Manhattan below Houston Street and parts of Brooklyn Heights and DUMBO in Brooklyn.

For the 9/11 VCF, the exposure zone includes the area of Manhattan south of Canal Street and west of Clinton Street.

If you were exposed to Ground Zero toxins, you should know your health status. Don’t let a delayed diagnosis become a death sentence.

Barasch & McGarry, Lawyers for the 9/11 Community, represents more than 35,000 members of the 9/11 community.

Visit 911victims.com or call 212-385-8000 today.