Cancer Cases Jump in 9/11 Responders

Leukemia, Myeloma, Thyroid, Prostate Cancer Cases Still Rising

Over a decade after it ended, some first responders from the attacks on the World Trade Centers are getting more bad news. Cancer case numbers specific to rescue workers present at Ground Zero are still steadily increasing.

Since 2013, cancer diagnoses have nearly doubled in firemen, police officers, and EMTs who were sent to the World Trade Centers after the attacks on September 11th. These findings are not conclusive – researchers say they have not run a comparative study with members of the same age group and profession outside of the crash zones. They can, however, state that a 20% jump in cancer cases among these workers compared to the general population has occurred since 2010. The commonly accepted blame for this spike is the presence of carcinogens in the air and a lack of time for workers to prepare against the pollution.

The World Trade Center Health Program monitors and helps over 65,000 people connected to the tragedy who may have been exposed to cancer-causing agents. Participants receive specialized care through medical professionals trained to handle the results of terrorist attacks.

If you or a loved one was injured while responding to the attacks on the World Trade Centers, you may qualify for medical care and assistance through the James Zadroga 9/11 Healthcare and Compensation Act or the World Trade Center Health Program.