9/11’s Latest Wave of Cancers, 25 Years On

As we mark 25 years since 9/11, it’s become clear that the devastation wasn’t limited to that day, or even to the first decade after the events.

Immediately after 9/11, the first wave of respiratory and mental health conditions appeared. By 10 years, the second wave, with chronic respiratory ailments, began to surface. We saw persistent coughs, debilitating asthma, and obstructive lung diseases alongside dozens of cancers. Mental health conditions persisted among many responders.

As of today, more than 8,000 people enrolled in the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program have died from all causes. The program provides no-cost medical monitoring and treatment for certified 9/11-related physical and mental health conditions to eligible rescue workers, recovery volunteers, and survivors. Around 3,000 of these members were certified by the program for at least one WTC-related cancer, although their exact cause of death is unknown.

Now, while tens of thousands of survivors suffer with chronic diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic sinus inflammation, sleep apnea, and severe reflux that does not respond well to treatment, we are seeing a larger, more silent, and devastating third wave taking place.

Blood cancers, thyroid cancers, prostate, lung, and digestive system cancers, among others, began manifesting among the 9/11 cohort with regularity in the last several years. These diseases, which can take decades to incubate, have become the ultimate, delayed consequence of toxic exposure.

At our own Northwell Health WTC Clinical Center, we continue to see an alarming increase in cancer cases among those directly affected by 9/11, reflecting the reality that we are nowhere near the end of the attack’s ramifications. For example, over the last 3 years, we’ve seen an estimated 75% increase in 9/11-related lymphoma, thyroid and endocrine gland carcinoma, digestive organ, and prostate cancer cases.

The numbers are staggering and drive home the point that 9/11 is a drawn out, agonizing battle.

In the aftermath of the disaster, it was a challenge to garner support for a long-term medical program. Some responders developed severe, life-threatening diseases early on, and their struggles highlighted the need for a comprehensive program.

Individuals like James Zadroga, a New York City Police Department detective whose lung disease eventually claimed his life in 2006, told their stories. The tragic aftermath of 9/11 — embodied by Detective Zadroga and advocates’ lobbying efforts, victims and their families, and clinicians caring for 9/11-exposed individuals — became the driving force behind the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010.

This landmark legislation created the WTC Health Program and reopened the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. These programs, critical lifelines, finally provided comprehensive medical care, monitoring, and compensation for those whose health was sacrificed. The health program has been successful, with over 140,000 members. Most importantly, cancer survival rates of program participants are better than those folks who have not joined the WTC Health Program.

These are ordinary people, transformed into patients: the brave firefighter battling leukemia, the administrative assistant fighting aggressive thyroid cancer, the downtown resident grappling with debilitating pulmonary fibrosis. Exposure to toxic dust, smoke, and debris in and around Ground Zero has been linked to numerous cancers affecting women responders, local workers, residents, and students, who have been experiencing breast cancer and all forms of uterine and gynecological cancers.

The tragedy of 9/11 is still not a closed chapter. It is an evolving story of sacrifice, silent suffering, and the enduring fight for justice. As we look back a quarter-century later, let us honor all the victims of 9/11 — not just those lost in the immediate aftermath.