9/11 Cancer and Other Health Effects: 25 Years Later

Honoring Those Lost to 9/11-Related Illnesses

On September 11, 2026, the nation marked 25 years since the attacks. The anniversary honored the people killed that day and those who have died from illnesses and 9/11 cancer in the years since. For the 25th anniversary commemoration, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum added a seventh moment of silence to honor people who died from 9/11-related health effects. It also recognized a reality that responders, survivors, and their families have lived with for years: the health consequences did not end when the rescue and recovery work was over.

Why Are People Still Experiencing 9/11-Related Illnesses?

The collapse of the World Trade Center towers sent dust and debris across Lower Manhattan. The dust contained asbestos, silica, metals, concrete, and glass. Fires at the site created additional hazards, and exposure continued during the cleanup. Firefighters, police officers, recovery workers, nearby residents, local workers, and students were among those potentially affected. The World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program describes these exposures and their health effects.

Some people developed breathing problems soon after 9/11. Others have faced health concerns over a much longer period and are only now experiencing 9/11 cancer. The WTC Health Program’s list of covered conditions includes respiratory disorders, certain cancers, and mental health conditions. Among the examples are asthma, chronic cough, lung cancer, mesothelioma, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Research published around the 25th anniversary underscores why ongoing care matters. According to the WTC Health Program, disaster-related health effects can be chronic and can affect more than one part of the body. People exposed to the attacks have experienced a greater prevalence of chronic conditions than the general population.

Why Does Mesothelioma Remain a Concern?

Asbestos was one of the harmful materials in the World Trade Center dust. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma, a cancer that may take decades to develop. The National Cancer Institute notes that asbestos-related diseases can appear many years after exposure. That long delay is one reason the health effects of 9/11 cancer remain relevant 25 years later.

Mesothelioma is included on the WTC Health Program’s list of covered cancers. A diagnosis does not automatically establish that 9/11 exposure caused an individual’s cancer; the program reviews conditions for certification under its requirements.

For more background on the exposure itself, read our guide to asbestos exposure on September 11 and mesothelioma.

Where Can Responders and Survivors Find Help?

If you were at or near a 9/11 disaster site and have a new or ongoing health concern, tell your doctor about your exposure history. Include where you were and any rescue, recovery, cleanup, work, or school activities that may be relevant.

You can also review eligibility and application information for the WTC Health Program. The program provides monitoring and treatment for eligible members with certified 9/11-related conditions. Applying for membership and having a specific condition certified are separate steps.

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, Mesothelioma Hub’s patient advocates can help you learn about specialists and resources. Twenty-five years after 9/11, affected individuals and families still deserve access to information and care.