9/11-Related Cancer Cases Surge to Tens of Thousands as 25th Anniversary Approaches
Cancer certifications for 9/11 survivors, residents and responders have climbed dramatically, now exceeding 57,000 cases—a rise of roughly 1,680% since 2015.
The World Trade Center Health Program released figures indicating that cancer certifications among survivors, downtown residents and workers near the former towers have surged from 3,204 in 2015 to over 57,000 now, representing a 1,680% increase. Rare forms of disease, including 82 thymus-gland tumors and 591 neuroendocrine cancers, are contributing to the rise, alongside 188 male breast-cancer cases and 163 brain-cancer diagnoses.
For the first time, civilian survivors—who number 28,913 cases—outnumber emergency responders, who have 28,131 cases. CDC data show that 67% of the program’s 145,275 members are certified with at least one of the 69 cancers tied to 9/11 toxins, far above the national average of about 40%. Lawyers representing affected individuals warn that only about 15% of exposed civilians have enrolled in the health program, emphasizing the need for early detection.
Why it matters
The sharp rise in 9/11-related cancers highlights long-term health risks for thousands still exposed to the attacks' toxins.
In this story
