CDC to Add Uterine Cancer to Covered World Trade Center Conditions
ATLANTA — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is adding uterine cancer to the conditions covered under the World Trade Center Health Program.
Notice of the addition is scheduled to be published in Wednesday’s edition of the Federal Register.
The World Trade Center Health Program was established under the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010, and is administered by CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
The program provides medical monitoring and treatment to eligible responders to the Sept.11, 2001, terrorist attacks in New York City, at the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, and to eligible survivors of the New York City attacks.
“Eligible” survivors include anyone who was exposed to dust or a dust cloud as a result of the attacks, or worked or lived or attended school in and around the former World Trade Center site.
Twenty-six of the 27 people who responded to the request for comment supported the addition of uterine cancer to the covered list.
Three independent peer reviewers also evaluated the evidence supporting its proposed inclusion.
“I’m grateful the World Trade Center Health Program has added all types of uterine cancer to the list of WTC-related health conditions,” said Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr., D-N.J. upon learning the rule change will be published on Wednesday.
Pallone, ranking member on the House Energy and Commerce committee, recently wrote to the program urging quick finalization of a proposed rule.
“This will ensure 9/11 survivors and heroic first responders receive the care and treatment they need for uterine cancer without cost-sharing,” Pallone said. “While we certainly can never fully repay our nation’s deep gratitude to those who bravely responded during one of our nation’s darkest hours, I’m relieved the WTC Health Program will now cover all types of cancer.”
Officials with the agencies said the addition of uterine cancer to the list of covered ailments will raise the estimated cost of the program by between $1.7 million and $3.8 million.
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