September 11, 25 Years Later: Remembering Those We Lost and the Health Effects That Continue
September 11, 2001 changed our country forever.
Twenty-five years later, we remember the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives that day. We remember the firefighters, police officers, emergency medical personnel and other first responders who rushed toward danger. We remember the recovery and cleanup workers and volunteers who came in the days and months that followed.
And we hold in our thoughts the families whose lives changed forever.
Another part of the September 11 story continues today. Many people who encountered World Trade Center dust, smoke, debris and contaminants have faced long-term health problems.
For the Esophageal Cancer Education Foundation (ECEF), that continuing story has particular meaning.
Key Statement: World Trade Center exposure has been associated with long-term health effects. The federal World Trade Center Health Program covers certain cancers and aerodigestive diseases for eligible members. Its covered cancers include digestive-system cancers, making 9/11 exposure and esophageal cancer an important issue for our community.
Who May Have Been Exposed to World Trade Center Dust?
World Trade Center exposure affected more than the first responders whose courage we witnessed on September 11.
Rescue workers, recovery and cleanup workers, volunteers and Lower Manhattan employees experienced exposure. Residents, students and others who spent time in affected areas may also have encountered dust and contaminants.
Some people developed health problems relatively soon afterward. Others received serious diagnoses years or even decades later.
That long time frame makes continued health monitoring especially important.
Is There a Connection Between 9/11 Exposure and Esophageal Cancer?
It is important to distinguish between a cancer that qualifies as a WTC-related condition and proof of what caused one person’s cancer.
The World Trade Center Health Program provides monitoring and treatment for eligible responders and survivors. The program covers specific health conditions that meet its requirements.
Cancer is one of its major categories of covered conditions. The program’s cancer list includes malignant cancers of the digestive system. The esophagus is part of the digestive system.
This does not mean World Trade Center exposure caused every case of esophageal cancer in an exposed person. Many factors can influence a person’s cancer risk.
The program reviews eligibility, exposure history and medical information before certifying a condition.
For someone who experienced 9/11 exposure and later developed esophageal cancer, learning about the program may be important.
There is another connection that matters to the esophageal cancer community.
The World Trade Center Health Program recognizes gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, as an aerodigestive condition when a member meets the program’s requirements.
GERD causes stomach contents to flow back into the esophagus. Chronic GERD can contribute to Barrett’s esophagus in some people.
Barrett’s esophagus increases the risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma.
These facts do not prove that World Trade Center exposure caused an individual’s esophageal cancer. They do show why long-term medical monitoring remains important.
Anyone with persistent reflux or other concerning symptoms should discuss them with a physician or qualified healthcare professional.
What Resources Are Available for People Exposed on or After 9/11?
Two federal programs can help eligible people affected by the September 11 attacks. They serve different purposes.
The World Trade Center Health Program, administered by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), offers medical monitoring and treatment. Eligible responders and survivors may receive care for certified WTC-related conditions.
Learn more about the World Trade Center Health Program
The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) provides financial compensation to eligible individuals who suffered physical harm related to the attacks or debris-removal efforts. In certain circumstances, representatives of people who died may also file claims.
Learn more about the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund
These programs are not limited to firefighters, police officers or traditional first responders.
Depending on the program, eligible people may include residents, workers, students and volunteers. Others who spent time in affected areas may also qualify.
Each program has its own eligibility requirements. Anyone who believes they may qualify should review the official federal guidance.
Remembering Means Continuing to Care
For many families, the consequences of September 11 did not end when rescue and recovery efforts concluded.
Some people developed illnesses years later. Families have cared for loved ones facing serious health conditions. First responders and survivors continue to live with the health consequences of that day.
On this 25th anniversary, ECEF remembers everyone who died on September 11.
We also remember those we have lost in the years since. And we honor those who continue to live with illnesses associated with September 11 and its aftermath.
We recognize the physicians, researchers and advocates who continue to study these long-term health effects. Their work helps people receive appropriate monitoring, treatment and support.
Twenty-five years later, remembrance is not only about looking back.
It is also about continuing to care for those still living with the effects of that day.
Frequently Asked Questions About 9/11 Exposure and Esophageal Cancer
Can 9/11 World Trade Center exposure cause esophageal cancer?
For many families, the consequences of September 11 did not end when rescue and recovery efforts concluded.
Some people developed illnesses years later. Families have cared for loved ones facing serious health conditions. First responders and survivors continue to live with the health consequences of that day.
On this 25th anniversary, ECEF remembers everyone who died on September 11.
We also remember those we have lost in the years since. And we honor those who continue to live with illnesses associated with September 11 and its aftermath.
We recognize the physicians, researchers and advocates who continue to study these long-term health effects. Their work helps people receive appropriate monitoring, treatment and support.
Twenty-five years later, remembrance is not only about looking back.
It is also about continuing to care for those still living with the effects of that day.
Is esophageal cancer covered by the World Trade Center Health Program?
The WTC Health Program includes malignant neoplasms of the digestive system on its list of covered cancers. Individuals must meet the program’s specific eligibility, exposure, latency and certification requirements. Anyone diagnosed with esophageal cancer who had qualifying World Trade Center exposure should contact the program to determine whether they may be eligible.
Are only 9/11 first responders eligible for health benefits?
No. The World Trade Center Health Program serves eligible responders as well as eligible survivors. Survivors may include people who lived, worked or attended school in the New York City disaster area or were otherwise present in qualifying circumstances. Eligibility requirements differ, so individuals should check directly with the program.
What is the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund?
The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund is a federal program that provides compensation to eligible individuals who suffered physical harm, or to eligible representatives of individuals who died, as a result of the September 11 attacks or related debris-removal efforts. The VCF is separate from the World Trade Center Health Program.
Can someone who lived or worked near the World Trade Center apply to the VCF?
Potentially. The VCF is not limited to traditional first responders. Residents, workers, students, volunteers and others may be eligible if they meet the VCF’s presence, medical and other requirements.
What should someone with esophageal cancer and a history of 9/11 exposure do?
They should speak with their healthcare team about their medical history and exposure and review eligibility information from the World Trade Center Health Program. They may also want to review the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund requirements to determine whether they could qualify for compensation.
A Note from ECEF
This article is intended to provide general educational information and should not be interpreted as establishing that World Trade Center exposure caused an individual’s esophageal cancer or other medical condition.
If you were exposed to the World Trade Center disaster and have been diagnosed with esophageal cancer, Barrett’s esophagus, chronic GERD or another health condition, talk with your physician or other qualified healthcare professional about your individual medical history and appropriate care.
You may also want to contact the World Trade Center Health Program to determine whether you are eligible for medical monitoring or treatment and review the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund to determine whether you may qualify for compensation.
Eligibility and certification are determined by the respective federal programs according to their requirements.
Official Resources