Surge in 9/11 First Responders Diagnosed with Cancer
The number of first responders who have been diagnosed with cancer as a result of 9/11 has reached 48,579—a staggering 143% increase over the past five years, according to the latest figures from the World Trade Center Health Program.
Among the most common types of cancer affecting these individuals are skin, prostate, and breast cancers, alongside melanoma of various organs such as the thyroid, kidneys, lungs, and bladder. Conditions like lymphoma and leukemia are also prevalent. It is believed that exposure to hazardous toxins, particularly from the aftermath at Ground Zero, has played a significant role in these cases.
The increase in cancer rates can be attributed to the aging demographic of the responder population, many of whom are now in their late 50s to late 60s.
“It’s concerning,” said Dr. Stephen Marcowitz from Queens University. “We’re truly seeing the long-term effects of their courageous work.”
Since 2017, enrollment in the WTC Health Program has significantly increased, with 2024 currently being noted as a record year, bringing in over 10,000 new members, as per a spokesperson from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
“The rise in cancer and other serious health issues remains noticeable,” the spokesperson added.
As of now, the CDC reports that 8,215 WTC program participants have died, with 5,844 of them being responders.
This week, statistics show that among those who have passed away are 3,767 individuals diagnosed with cancer, including 2,388 responders. To put it in perspective, a total of 2,977 people lost their lives on 9/11 are covered under this program.
Retired NYPD officer John DeVito recalls his time working at both Ground Zero and Fresh Kills, where he sifted through debris without wearing protective gear. “We were just trying to do our jobs,” DeVito reflected. Unfortunately, he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in March 2020 and has undergone multiple treatments.
He remembered being reassured that everything was safe during that time, despite the evident dangers. “Everyone said everything was fine,” he said, recalling his youth and how it contrasts with his current health struggles.
Another retiree, Glen Tarachinio, who was deployed to “The Pile” shortly after the attack, also shared his experience. “You could look into the buckets and see personal items,” he said, emphasizing the horror of the situation. He noted that officials insisted the air quality was safe, a claim he was skeptical about given his firsthand experience.
FEMA eventually provided N95 masks, but they would quickly become ineffective due to the surrounding conditions. Tarachinio himself was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2020.
Phil Rizzo, a retired captain of the Department of Emergency Services, described the aftermath as an overwhelming cloud of ash. “It honestly felt like it was snowing,” he reminisced. He, too, has been diagnosed with head and neck cancer this year, despite having previously lived a healthy lifestyle.
Ivonne Sanchez, a 59-year-old FDNY EMT, spent ten months at Ground Zero and was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013, a rapid progression from stage 1 to stage 2, leading to a double mastectomy after she insisted on further evaluations. She is one of several responders planning to head to Washington, D.C. next week to advocate for better health care related to their 9/11 illnesses.
“It feels like we keep having to fight for support,” Tarachinio added, echoing the sentiment of fatigue many feel after years of struggles. “Unfortunately, it’s another fundraising battle.”
