Twenty-five years after September 11, 2001, the health consequences of the attacks continue to affect responders, survivors, workers, and others who were exposed to the toxic environment around Ground Zero. Recent reporting from Northwell Health and major New York and national media outlets is drawing renewed attention to a troubling trend: 9/11-related cancer cases among patients in the World Trade Center Health Program continue to rise.

As the 25th anniversary approaches, the latest coverage is more than a collection of headlines. It is a reminder that the impact of 9/11 did not end when the rescue and recovery operations ended. For many people, the health effects have continued for years and, in some cases, decades.

New data shows a continuing rise in cancer diagnoses

According to reporting on Northwell Health’s World Trade Center Health Program, Northwell physicians recorded 235 new cancer diagnoses among 9/11 responders in 2025, compared with 177 in 2023. During the first six months of 2026, 132 new diagnoses had already been recorded, putting the year on track to exceed the 2025 total.

Northwell physicians also reported that roughly 30% of its World Trade Center Health Program patients who were police officers or other responders have been diagnosed with cancer, with some patients experiencing more than one type of cancer.

These figures are part of a broader national picture. The federally funded World Trade Center Health Program has certified more than 57,000 cancer cases as related to 9/11, according to the recent reporting.

Why the health impact can appear decades later

One important factor is latency—the amount of time that can pass between exposure to a harmful substance and the development or detection of a disease. Some cancers, including lung cancers, can have long latency periods. That means the passage of time does not necessarily mean the risk has passed.

Doctors quoted in recent coverage have also noted that some World Trade Center Health Program patients develop certain cancers at younger ages than other cancer patients. For example, Northwell physicians reported that WTC patients develop lymphoma, on average, about 10 years earlier than other Northwell patients with lymphoma.

The broader lesson is important: ongoing monitoring and appropriate medical screening can remain relevant long after the initial exposure.

The human stories behind the numbers

Statistics can show the scale of the problem, but personal experiences show what those numbers mean in real life.

Recent Newsday reporting highlighted the experiences of people who worked in or around Lower Manhattan after 9/11 and later faced cancer diagnoses. Some initially had no reason to believe their symptoms or health changes were connected to their earlier exposure.

These stories underscore the importance of taking new or persistent health concerns seriously and discussing relevant exposure history with qualified healthcare professionals.

9/11 health effects are also a mental health concern

The long-term impact of 9/11 is not limited to physical illness. First responders, survivors, families, and people who worked or lived near Ground Zero may also carry years of grief, stress, fear, uncertainty, and emotional exhaustion.

A serious diagnosis can add another layer of emotional strain. Living with uncertainty about health, navigating treatment, supporting a family member, or coping with memories connected to 9/11 can be difficult at any stage of life.

For those reasons, mental health support can be an important part of comprehensive care. Reaching out for counseling is not a sign of weakness—it can be one practical way to process difficult experiences and build support during a challenging period.

What people who may have been exposed should know

Recent Northwell physicians have encouraged people who may have been exposed to 9/11-related toxins—including responders and people who lived or worked in the area—to learn more about the World Trade Center Health Program and available monitoring and treatment.

If you believe you may have been affected, consider speaking with a qualified healthcare professional about your exposure history, symptoms, screening needs, and eligibility for appropriate programs. Do not wait for a health concern to become severe before seeking professional guidance.

Remembering the people behind the headlines

The 25th anniversary of September 11 is an opportunity to remember those who were lost, honor the people who responded, and recognize the people who continue to live with the consequences of that day.

The recent increase in reported cancer cases is a reminder that remembrance also means continued care. The story of 9/11 health is still being written—not only through statistics and research, but through the lives of responders, survivors, families, and communities.

At Mind-Body and Inner-Self Mental Health Counseling Services, we believe that emotional wellbeing deserves attention alongside physical health. If you or someone close to you is struggling with grief, trauma, anxiety, stress, or the emotional burden of a serious health experience, contact our team to learn more about available mental health support.

Medical and mental health information in this article is provided for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For questions about cancer screening, exposure-related health conditions, or eligibility for the World Trade Center Health Program, consult an appropriate healthcare professional or program representative.

Recent media coverage and sources

For readers who want to review the reporting behind this article, the following coverage provides additional information:

25 Years After 9/11, Cancer Cases Continue to Rise Among WTC Health Patients