Nearly 25 years after the September 11, 2001 attacks, concerns are growing over the rising incidence of cancer among survivors exposed to the toxic environment created by the collapse of the World Trade Center towers. New data shows that the number of survivors receiving aid for cancer through the World Trade Center Health Program has approximately tripled over the past five years, highlighting a significant public health challenge linked to the disaster.
As of June 2026, around 27,300 survivors were receiving assistance for cancer treatment, up from about 8,870 in June 2021. This increase has outpaced cancer claims among first responders, with roughly half of the 54,000 survivors enrolled in the program now receiving support for cancer-related care—compared to 35 percent five years ago. A study conducted by New York University on a smaller group of survivors found a similar rise in cancer cases, noting a 2.5-fold increase from 2019 to 2024.
Experts studying the data emphasize that while the trends are clear, drawing definitive conclusions about cancer rates is limited by the self-enrollment nature of the survivor cohort. Nonetheless, the growing number of cases sheds light on the long-term health effects of exposure to a complex mixture of carcinogens released after the attacks, including asbestos, benzene, and other hazardous substances.
Initial expectations focused on lung cancer due to smoke inhalation, but researchers have observed a wider variety of cancers among survivors. The most common types reported include breast and prostate cancer, mirroring broader national trends. However, breast cancer diagnoses among survivors occurred, on average, about four years earlier than the national average, with a higher incidence of aggressive forms. Lung cancer also remains prevalent, with an unusual number of cases seen among female survivors who never smoked.
The exposure risks have been well documented since the attacks, with contaminated dust and debris lingering in Lower Manhattan for months afterward. In particular, asbestos, a known carcinogen, posed a continuing health threat. Historical records reveal concerns from government scientists and environmental experts over prolonged exposure, estimating significant risks for diseases such as mesothelioma for residents who remained in contaminated buildings.
Physicians specializing in thoracic cancer treatment have reported increasing cases among 9/11 survivors and caution that the full cancer burden may not yet have been realized given the long latency periods typical of many tumor types. They advise individuals exposed to Ground Zero dust and debris to seek screening and medical monitoring through established programs.
Medical officials involved with the WTC Health Program have highlighted its role in improving outcomes for patients. A 2021 study found that cancer mortality rates among program enrollees were significantly lower than those of comparable New York populations without access to specialized care.
Survivors such as Mariama James continue to navigate the lasting health consequences. James, who developed skin cancer years after the attacks, lost her mother to colon cancer believed to be linked to 9/11 exposure. She calls for expanded education and screening efforts, especially for younger generations who may face emerging health impacts related to the disaster.
“We want to make sure that our children are educated about this and are getting checked out and staying on top of their health issues,” James said. “Because we expect that something’s definitely going to happen to us.” The ongoing escalation in cancer diagnoses underscores the need for sustained medical vigilance and support for those affected by one of the most devastating events in recent American history.