Parker Waichman LLP Comments on NYPD Study Showing Higher Cancer Rates Post-9/11

Parker Waichman LLP, a national law firm that has spent many years fighting to ensure that the heroes of the 9/11 terrorist attacks are never forgotten, is commenting on the findings of a new study evaluating the rate of cancer among first responders. A recent study published in the [Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine](http://journals.lww.com/joem/Fulltext/2015/10000/NYPD_Cancer_Incidence_Rates_1995_2014_Encompassing.16.aspx) compared cancer incidence rates among members of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) from a pre-exposure period (1995-2000) to post-exposure (2002-2014). Overall, researchers found that cancer rates increased 1.44-fold after 9/11 compared to the period before.

In particular, the study found a roughly 3.27-fold increased risk of brain cancer and kidney cancer in the post-exposure period; the rates of thyroid cancer and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma increased 2.29-fold and 1.68-fold, respectively, also in the post-exposure period. The authors concluded that, ??For the 2002 to 2012 post-WTC exposure period, the median incidence rate of cancer sites overall, among nearly 40,000 exposed NYPD police officers, appears to have increased by 1.5-fold when compared with the pre-exposure period (1995-2000). Among many cancer sites showing post-exposure increases, the most notable sites unlikely to have been significantly affected by surveillance bias include cancer and kidney cancer, whose rates appear to have tripled compared with pre-exposure rates, as well as thyroid cancer and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, which approximately doubled between the two time periods.?

The firm comments that exposure to the WTC site toxic dust during and after the 9/11 terrorist attacks is associated with a number of serious health conditions, including cancer. ??These findings confirm what is already known??that first responders are suffering as a result of their selfless actions,? said Matthew J. McCauley, Senior Litigation Counsel at Parker Waichman. ??This study further supports the need for permanent reauthorization of Zadroga programs.?

The Zadroga Act established two programs: The World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program and the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF). The WTC Health Program, which provides medical treatment and monitoring, expired at midnight on September 30th. The program is now running on cash reserves until it ends entirely. The VCF, which provides compensation to responders and survivors, is due to expire next fall. The WTC Health Program monitors over 70,000 people and treats 33,000.

The firm comments that renewal of the Zadroga Act is crucial for many responders. ??These individuals sacrificed their health and wellbeing at a time when their country needed them most. They should not have to beg for benefits.? said Mr. McCauley.

Parker Waichman actively worked toward the 2010 passage of the Zadroga Act, including taking part in lobbying efforts and trips to the nation's capital, often along with the firm's clients??other responders and survivors. The firm continues to remain committed to its lobbying efforts in Washington D.C., making trips over the past several months.

Parker Waichman was also recently involved in the ??Take Action? tool that allows responders, survivors, and advocates the ability to review Congress members' activities concerning the upcoming expiration of the James Zadroga Act. Parker Waichman assisted with the research on, and creation of, the Tool, which may be accessed at: [Renew 911 Health Organization's website](http://www.renew911health.org/coalition-organizations/).

Parker Waichman continues to fight, alongside Ground Zero first responders, survivors, and advocates, to help ensure passage of Zadroga Act amendments, and vows to continue its efforts to safeguard these heroes and ensure appropriate Zadroga Act compensation is received. To determine eligibility for compensation under the Act, or assistance with a claim, please visit [Parker Waichman's website](http://www.yourlawyer.com/topics/overview/zadroga-act-wtc-world-trade-center-claims-lawyer-attorney-lawsuit) or call 1-800-LAW-INFO (1-800-529-4636).

Company :-Parker Waichman LLP

User :- Parker Waichman

Email :-prc.pressagency@gmail.com

Phone :-212--26-7-6700

Mobile:- -

Url :- http://www.yourlawyer.com/new-york