Barasch & McGarry Recognizes Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 

Studies show that both women and men who were first responders or who were working, living, or studying in Lower Manhattan on or after 9/11 have a higher risk of developing many respiratory illnesses and 68 different types of cancer from exposure to Ground Zero toxins, including breast cancer.

Barasch & McGarry represents more than 1,500 members of the 9/11 community who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.

In the general population, about 1 in 8 women and 1 in 833 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetimes, according to the American Cancer Society. 

But among 9/11 first responders and survivors, the rates of breast cancer are dramatically higher.

In 2022, an estimated 287,850 women and 2,710 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.

The major risk factors for breast cancer are family history, genetic predisposition, smoking, drinking alcohol, a prior history of breast cancer, and exposure to toxic chemicals such as Ground Zero toxins. 

Please note that if you are diagnosed with 9/11-related breast cancer, your family medical history does not affect your eligibility for free health care or compensation. Your cancer is presumed linked to the toxins.

A guide from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that symptoms could include a new lump in the breast or underarm, thickening or swelling of part of the breast, irritation or dimpling of breast skin, pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area, nipple discharge other than breast milk, any change in the size or the shape of the breast, pain in any area of the breast.

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

The health program provides free, 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 includes 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.

Barasch & McGarry, Lawyers for the 9/11 Community, represents more than 30,000 members of the 9/11 community.

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