Barasch & McGarry Recognizes Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

Every January, we recognize Cervical Cancer Awareness Month — a time to highlight a significant health risk facing women in the 9/11 community and to celebrate a major milestone in our ongoing fight for health equity.

More than two decades after the attacks, thousands of responders, survivors, and downtown residents continue to face serious health consequences from exposure to World Trade Center toxins. While improvements in diagnostic screenings like the Pap test and HPV vaccine have resulted in better outcomes, the nearly half a million people exposed to Ground Zero toxins remain at a substantially higher risk for 69 different types of cancer, including cervical cancer.

This month is also an opportunity to reflect on a hard-won victory for women’s health. For years, uterine cancer was the only major cancer not covered by the WTC Health Program due to a lack of initial data on female responders. After years of advocacy by our firm and the 9/11 community, uterine cancer (including endometrial cancer) was finally added to the list of covered conditions in 2023. This ensures that whether a diagnosis affects the cervix or the uterus, women in the 9/11 community are not an afterthought.

Early detection saves lives. We urge anyone who was exposed to 9/11 toxins to schedule regular checkups and screenings with a gynecologist, even if you feel healthy. If you’re unsure whether you were within the exposure zone, see the 9/11 exposure map below.

It’s crucial to recognize early warning signs such as abnormal vaginal bleeding (especially after menopause or between periods), unusual discharge, pelvic pain, or pain during intercourse. Be sure to tell your doctor that you are a 9/11 survivor or responder, as your risk profile is higher.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cervical cancer, uterine cancer, or another 9/11-related illness, Barasch & McGarry can guide you through your options and ensure you receive the benefits you deserve. Please contact us by visiting 911victims.com or calling 844-710-4876.

Barasch & McGarry, Lawyers for the 9/11 Community, represents more than 40,000 members of the 9/11 community.

9/11 Exposure Zone Map: