Barasch & McGarry Recognizes Stomach Cancer Awareness Month

November is Stomach Cancer Awareness Month.

Anyone who worked, lived, or studied in Lower Manhattan on or after 9/11 has a higher risk of many serious respiratory illnesses and 68 different types of cancer, including stomach cancer.

Barasch & McGarry represents more than 115 9/11 community members who have been diagnosed with stomach cancer.

Please note that if you are diagnosed with 9/11-related stomach cancer, your family medical history and pre-existing conditions will not affect your eligibility for free health care or compensation. The government presumes your cancer was the result of exposure to Ground Zero toxins.

A report from the American Cancer Society estimates that 26,380 new cases of stomach cancer will be diagnosed in 2022 – about three-fifth of them among men.

The risk factors for stomach cancer include gender (more common in men), race (more common in Hispanic Americans, African Americans, Native Americans, and Asian/Pacific Islanders), Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) infection, being overweight or obese, a diet high in grilled or heavily-processed foods, alcohol or tobacco consumption, and exposure to toxic chemicals such as Ground Zero toxins.

9/11 first responders and survivors – as well as anyone with a high risk of stomach cancer – should share this information with their primary health care provider and stay alert to the symptoms. 

The common symptoms of stomach cancer include unintended weight loss, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, heartburn, and swelling in the abdomen.

If you are diagnosed with stomach cancer or any other 9/11-related cancers or respiratory illnesses, we 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 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.