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Pallone Urges HHS to Finalize Rule to Add Uterine Cancer to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions

January 9, 2023

Energy and Commerce Committee incoming Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) wrote to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra and World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program Administrator John Howard, MD today urging quick finalization of the proposed rule to add uterine cancer to the list of WTC-related health conditions. Currently, the WTC Health Program covers all major types of cancer, except uterine cancer.

"Many women who served as first responders or survivors of the 9/11 attacks have been waiting for over a decade for uterine cancer to be added as a covered health condition," Pallone wrote. "While I was pleased that this administration finally heard their call and proposed to add uterine cancer to the list of WTC-related health conditions, it has now been eight months since the rule was proposed and these women and their families are still waiting. I urge you to finalize this rule without any further delay."

According to the WTC Health Program's Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee (STAC), the uterine cancer coverage discrepancy should not exist because the mechanisms for exposure to toxic chemicals that may cause cancer are similar across cancer types, and it is, "highly implausible that uterine cancer would be the only cancer not related to WTC exposures."

The Biden administration's proposed rule noted a growing body of scientific evidence has suggested that exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) like those found at the WTC may be a risk factor for female reproductive cancers, including uterine cancers. In his letter, Pallone noted that the potentially long latency between exposure to EDCs and disease increases the risks posed to those who were in utero, infants, children, adolescents, and young adults at the time of exposure.

"Survivors of the WTC attack battling uterine cancer should not be forced to wait any longer," Pallone concluded. "I look forward to seeing the proposed rule quickly finalized and hearing more from the WTC Health Program about how we can ensure WTC-related conditions are recognized in a timely manner."

Read the full letter HERE.

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Issues:Health