By Corinne Lestch New York Daily News
Prostate cancer has been added to the list of World Trade Center-related health conditions.
The federal Department of Health and Human Services added the cancer to its register Thursday after being petitioned by the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association, the city police officers union.
The union cited a scientific study that found a 17% greater than expected rate of prostate cancer among first responders.
The addition will cost the WTC Health Program an estimated $3 million to $6 million a year.
“It’s a minor victory for the 9/11 community and a huge victory for those with prostate cancer,” said John Feal, who advocated for the Zadroga 9/11 health bill, named for NYPD officer James Zadroga, who died of respiratory problems following his rescue efforts at Ground Zero.
