Helpful Resources if You’re Worried About 9/11-Linked Cancer

That means upwards of 300,000 people who could and should be using the program to monitor their health are not doing it. Dr. Michaud pointed out that part of the reason for this huge disparity is because people, and even doctors, don’t know who is eligible to be part of the WTC Health Program. This includes people who may have moved away from New York, whose doctors don’t know they should be asking about 9/11 exposure.

“If you had exposure, it’s not a guarantee, but you need to be aware that it is a risk factor,” Dr. Michaud said. “At least there’s an acknowledgement from the WTC program, because we’re paying for screening, we’re paying for monitoring. It could be a significant risk factor … particularly if you’re having symptoms, we really want those people to seek medical assistance early. Screening for lung cancer saves lives in a high-risk population.”

So what are the symptoms to look out for? It’s important to note that 9/11-linked disease is not limited to lung cancer. People who were in the NYC disaster area after 9/11 may be at risk for several cancers, and other diseases as well. “Lung symptoms are often pretty ambiguous,” Dr. Michaud told SurvivorNet. “You cough, you’re short of breathe, you can get a bit of a drippy nose – those symptoms could be anything … oftentimes the horse is already out of the barn by the time you’re recognized.

“Because those symptoms are not very specific, people can go for a really long time without getting the care they actually require,” Dr. Michaud said. “If you live in New York you may be thinking about 9/11 exposure … but if you’re living and working in California and you go see your lung doctor or even your primary care doctor … they’re not going to automatically assume you had 9/11 exposure.”

Diseases linked to 9/11 exposure include chronic cough, asthma, sinus congestion, certain cancers, stress-related disorders, depression, and others. If you are experiencing symptoms, or even if you think you spent too much time passing through the disaster area in lower Manhattan, talk to your doctor about your exposure. You can see the list of covered conditions and apply to get free screenings and care through the World Trade Center Health Program at cdc.gov/WTC.

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