Twenty-five years after the September 11 attacks, the health toll is far from over. What began as a first wave of respiratory and mental health conditions has evolved into a third, more silent wave: a surge in cancers among survivors, responders, and residents exposed to Ground Zero's toxic dust and debris. Blood cancers, thyroid, prostate, lung, and digestive system cancers — diseases with long incubation periods — are now manifesting with alarming regularity in the 9/11 cohort.

At Northwell Health's WTC Clinical Center, clinicians have observed an estimated 75% increase in 9/11-related lymphoma, thyroid and endocrine gland carcinoma, digestive organ, and prostate cancer cases over just the last three years. Women responders, local workers, residents, and students are also experiencing elevated rates of breast and gynecological cancers tied to toxic exposure.

By the Numbers:

• 140,000+ members enrolled in the WTC Health Program
• 8,000+ program members have died from all causes
• ~3,000 members were certified for at least one WTC-related cancer
• 75% estimated increase in select cancer cases over the past 3 years at one WTC center

Why it matters: The James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act created the WTC Health Program, which has demonstrably improved cancer survival rates for its participants. But with cancer cases still rising a quarter-century later, the program's continued funding and awareness remain critical lifelines for tens of thousands of people still fighting the consequences of that day.