Barasch & McGarry Recognizes Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.

The half a million first responders and people working, living, and studying in Lower Manhattan on or after 9/11 have a dramatically higher risk of developing respiratory illnesses and 69 different types of cancer, including prostate cancer.

Barasch & McGarry represents nearly 6,000 members of the 9/11 community who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

About one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime.

According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 299,010 Americans will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2024 – the highest figure for any type of cancer besides skin cancer.

The major risk factors for prostate cancer are age (six in ten cases are diagnosed in men 65 years-of-age and older), family history, ethnicity (African-American men and Caribbean men of African ancestry have a higher risk), and exposure to toxic chemicals such as Ground Zero toxins.

Early detection of prostate cancer can substantially improve the likelihood of survival.

People with a high risk of prostate cancer should share this information with their primary health care provider and stay alert to the symptoms.  

Common symptoms include difficulty urinating, blood in the urine, and erectile dysfunction.

If you are diagnosed with prostate 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.

Your family medical history and pre-existing conditions will not affect your eligibility for free health care or compensation. 

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.

Early detection could save your life. Protect yourself and your family.

Barasch & McGarry can help you register with the 9/11 VCF or enroll in the WTC Health Program. Please contact us by visiting 911victims.com or calling 212-385-8000.

If you prefer to register or enroll directly with the 9/11 VCF or the WTC Health Program, visit vcf.gov or cdc.gov/wtc.

Barasch & McGarry, Lawyers for the 9/11 Community, represents more than 40,000 members of the 9/11 community.