Number of People With 9/11-Related Cancer Increasing

Since 9/11, more than 5,400 people have been diagnosed with cancers linked to the attacks, according to new numbers from the CDC's World Trade Center Health program. And not only is the actual number likely higher—the CDC's tally only includes people enrolled in its program—it's going up, CNN reports. The number of people enrolling in the World Trade Center Health program increased by an average of more than 1,500 people per year between 2013 and 2016. According to the Sun, more than 50 types of cancers—including of the blood, breast, and digestive system—are believed to be linked to the pollutants and carcinogens released during the attacks. Approximately 86% of people with cancer enrolled in the CDC's program are first responders or others who helped at the scene of the attacks. (More 9/11 attacks stories.)