Cancer certifications among survivors of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks have increased by 1,680% over the past decade, with the number of cases now surpassing those among emergency responders. Figures released by the World Trade Center Health Program show cancer certifications rose from 3,204 in 2015 to 57,044 this year.
For the first time, survivors who resided, worked, or attended school near Ground Zero account for more cancer diagnoses than first responders like firefighters and police officers. Survivors represent 28,913 of the total cancer cases, a 4,066% increase from the 694 cases reported in 2015. Responders account for 28,131 cases.
This surge is fueled partly by rare variations of cancer and the advancing age of survivors and responders, many of whom are now in their late 50s, 60s, or early 70s. Data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that 67% of the 145,275 current World Trade Center Health Program members are certified for at least one of 69 cancers linked to 9/11 toxins, significantly higher than the national rate of approximately 40% for Americans overall.
Lawyer Michael Barasch, whose firm represents thousands enrolled in the health program, noted the grim toll. "Sadly, we lose roughly two clients a day and see a new cancer certification every 50 minutes," he stated. "9/11 did not end on 9/11. The cancer clock is ticking 24/7."
Among the growing number of rare cancer diagnoses are 82 cases of thymus cancer, which represent fewer than 1% of all cancer cases. There are also 591 cases of neuroendocrine cancers, uncommon tumors typically found in the pancreas, bowel, lungs, or adrenal glands. The number of these cases saw a 6% increase among 9/11 survivors between March and June of this year.
Additionally, 188 male survivors have been diagnosed with breast cancer following exposure to the toxic air around Ground Zero. Brain cancer cases have also increased by 14, or 9%, in the past quarter, bringing the total to 163 victims.
Leslie Lane, 76, who worked at the World Financial Center Building and recalled tasting fuel and seeing dust clouds during her evacuation, was diagnosed with thymus cancer in 2020. "Thymus cancer is a very rare form of cancer. I don’t drink. I don’t smoke," she said, expressing certainty that inhaling contaminants from Ground Zero caused her illness. "For months afterward, you could taste the fuel in the air in the back of your throat and mouth. They kept telling us the air was safe. I don’t think it was."
James Ryan, a 65-year-old electrician who worked at the World Trade Center PATH train station and the ramp leading to the excavation site, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer during a routine check-up. "I got very lucky," said Ryan, who had part of his pancreas removed in 2019.
Barasch highlighted that only about 15% of civilians exposed to the 9/11 toxins have enrolled in the WTC Health Program. His firm represents former students from high schools and colleges near the World Trade Center who have developed illnesses at a young age. He urged eligible individuals to join the program, emphasizing that "early detection is the difference between life and death."
More than 9,425 people have died from post-9/11-related illnesses, more than triple the 2,977 lives lost on September 11, 2001. The 25th anniversary of the attacks is approaching.