World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) Likely to add Uterine Cancer to the List of Covered Medical Conditions

The World Trade Center Health Program provides medical services for certified medical conditions caused by the tragic attacks of September 11, 2001. 

Currently, uterine cancer is undergoing review and public comment to be added to the list of covered conditions. If the addition is approved, women who worked or lived near Ground Zero will also be able to seek full compensation from the September 11^th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF), once certified for a diagnosed uterine and/or endometrium cancer. 

Endometrium cancer is a form of uterine cancer that develops in the inner lining of the uterus. The cancer is caused by an event that changes the cells in the uterus, causing them to mutate and multiply extremely rapidly. Women who are diagnosed with uterine cancer often experience excess vaginal bleeding and lower abdominal pain, and their reproductive organs are hindered. ^[1]

The proposal to add uterine cancer to the list of covered conditions by the WTC Health Program was submitted by the WTC Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee (STAC), initiated by Iris Udasin and Judith Graber of the World Trade Center Medical Monitoring and Treatment Program at Rutgers University. 

Prior to this proposal, a petition to add uterine and endometrial cancer to the list of covered conditions was submitted in 2019, but it was denied due to the lack of available evidence that showed a strong relationship between the attacks of 9/11 and the development of endometrial cancer at the time. ^[2] 

In light of new evidence that shows a causal relationship between the debris present at Ground Zero and the development of uterine cancer, the proposal is likely to be successful this time.

According to advisory committee panelists, a casual link between uterine cancer and exposure to the dust cloud was not previously established due to the lack of research studying women impacted by the tragic attacks of that day. 

The proposal cites multiple peer-reviewed studies that show that the chemicals present in the debris at Ground Zero disrupt were endocrine disrupters, and it is well-known that endocrine disrupters lead to this type of cancer.

The rule proposes the addition of malignant neoplasms of the corpus uteri and uterus, part unspecified (uterine cancer) to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions in 42 CFR 88.15(d). ^[3]

If the addition is approved, women who worked as responders at Ground Zero, as well as those who worked and lived nearby, will receive full coverage from the WTC Health Program for uterine cancer treatment. Additionally, those who have already developed or go on to develop uterine cancer will also be able to seek compensation from the VCF. ^[4]

The public has until June 24^th 2022 to comment before the provision is finalized. The Jacob Fuchsberg Law Firm highly encourages uterine and endometrial cancer victims to participate in the public comment period which can be found by clicking here.

The Jacob Fuchsberg Law Firm proudly represents responders and survivors of the tragic attacks on September 11th. With extensive experience representing claimants and their families in the Victim Compensation Fund, we are committed to helping families receive the best coverage. 

If you believe that you have developed a covered medical condition as a result of the attacks of September 11th, please contact the Jacob Fuchsberg Law Firm for a free consultation.

Let our family help yours.

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Sources

^[1] Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Uterine Cancer. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16409-uterine-cancer.

^[2] Health and Human Services. (2019, September 2019). World Trade Center Health Program; Petition 023—Uterine Cancer, Including Endometrial Cancer; Finding of Insufficient Evidence. Washington D.C.: Federal Register. Retrieved from https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2019-09-24/pdf/2019-20364.pdf. 

^[3] Velez, E. (2022, May 5). World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program; Addition of uterine Cancer to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions. Washington D.C.: Federal Register. Retrieved from https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/05/10/2022-09708/world-trade-center-wtc-health-program-addition-of-uterine-cancer-to-the-list-of-wtc-related-health#h-25.

^[4] Smith, A. (2022, May 9). Rutgers-Led Effort Is Close to Getting Uterine Cancer Covered by WTCH Health Program. New Jersey: Rutgers University. Retrieved from https://www.rutgers.edu/news/rutgers-led-effort-close-getting-uterine-cancer-covered-wtc-health-program.