Tens of Thousands of First Responders Still Suffer From Cancers, Diseases From the 9/11 Attacks

Nearly 17,000 first responders are suffering from at least one cancer or disease directly linked to the 9/11 terrorist attacks 23 years ago.

According to the New York Post, at least 45,200 civilians and officers from the FDNY, NYPD and Port Authority of New York and New Jersey have an illness linked to the tragedy.

The total is 1,408 percent greater than the death toll from that day, as 2,997 victims were killed in the Twin Tower collapse and aftermath, the Post noted. But this figure could be higher (via NYP):

The shocking number reflects the amount of victims enrolled in the World Trade Center Health Program with verified illnesses — but because the project only recognizes some cancers and diseases, officials warn the true total of sick survivors is much higher.