Story perspectives

World Trade Center Health Program Sees 75% Cancer Surge

By Drooid · Sep 11, 2026, 5:18 PM UTC · How we work

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Summary

Northwell Reports

Northwell’s World Trade Center Health Program reports a 75% rise in 9/11-related cancer cases from 2023 to 2025.
The program projects new cancer cases will continue increasing.
The author’s husband, who cycled through Lower Manhattan on 9/11, died in 2020 of lung-origin cancer.
Bloomberg chairman Peter Grauer offered to fund a memorial bench for the family.
Former mayor Mike Bloomberg called to express condolences, emphasizing shared grief as leadership.

Summary

Rescorla Evacuates

Rick Rescorla evacuated the World Trade Center, saving about 2,700 lives.
Rescorla warned of a truck bomb at the towers three years before the 1993 attack.
After the plane hit, Rescorla overrode Port Authority orders and ordered an immediate evacuation.
Rescorla died when the South Tower collapsed despite leading the evacuation.
GE CEO Jeff Immelt coordinated response from a Seattle cubicle for three days, postponing plans after two employees died.

Summary

Lutnick Remembers

Cantor Fitzgerald lost 657 employees and CEO Howard Lutnick’s brother when the North Tower collapsed.
Lutnick arrived late that morning after dropping his son Kyle at kindergarten.
Weeks later he said issuing paychecks to grieving families was difficult as trading revenue collapsed.
Each September 11 the firm donates an entire day’s revenue to charities, reflecting its commitment to affected families.

History

Historical Context

The February 26 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center, carried out by Ramzi Yousef’s group, killed six, injured over a thousand and forced the evacuation of about 50,000 people. The attack prompted the Port Authority to overhaul security and evacuation procedures, measures later used on September 11 2001, and led to lawsuits that shaped liability rulings through 2011.

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Northwell Reports

Northwell’s World Trade Center Health Program reports a 75% rise in 9/11-related cancer cases from 2023 to 2025.
The program projects new cancer cases will continue increasing.
The author’s husband, who cycled through Lower Manhattan on 9/11, died in 2020 of lung-origin cancer.
Bloomberg chairman Peter Grauer offered to fund a memorial bench for the family.
Former mayor Mike Bloomberg called to express condolences, emphasizing shared grief as leadership.

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