Cancer Rates Triple for 9/11 Cops

The federal government denies any cancer danger for 9/11 first responders, but a new study begs to differ. The New York Patrolmen's Benevolent Association released data today that cancer rates have nearly tripled among NYPD officers since the terror attack, the New York Post reports. The first-of-its-kind study also reveals that 297 officers have gotten cancer since toiling at Ground Zero, and 56 have died. The average age of diagnosis: 44.

The revelation will no doubt put pressure on Mayor Bloomberg to reveal the city's information on NYPD cancer rates—which City Hall has kept hidden so far. The city "has done nothing to facilitate any cancer study and has been actively working to prevent a comprehensive examination of the issue,” said a PBA spokesman. A Bloomberg spokeswoman responded that the city backed the Zadroga Act, a 9/11 health bill, and has in fact published a study "on 9/11 and cancer." (More 9/11 health bill stories.)