The worst terrorist strikes to date on American territory were those of September 11, 2001. The assaults were unparalleled in terms of their extent, size, and effect on the American psyche and were intended to induce panic and dread. Many Americans watched these events live on television or repeatedly watched replays of them in the hours, days, weeks, and years that followed.
The 9/11 Aftermath: How The Horrific Event Is Still Affecting People’s Lives
The aftermath of 9/11 is still affecting people’s physical and mental health. The people who lived in Downtown Manhattan or were among the first responders were seen to have thyroid cancer conditions and PTSD, among other illnesses.
Let’s look in detail at how the horrific event is still affecting people’s lives in the form of the various types of diseases that people in the USA are diagnosed with-
Prostate cancer
How 9/11 is still affecting people’s lives can be demonstrated with the help of the statistical report on prostate cancer diagnosed in Americans. The average age at diagnosis for males with prostate cancer is 66, and the tumor’s cells typically develop slowly. However, a 2019 study that looked at first responders’ cancer diagnosis and was published in Molecular Cancer Research discovered some of them had an aggressive, quickly progressing form of prostate cancer.
Researchers hypothesize that some of these 9/11 employees’ levels of inflammatory T-cells may have increased due to a cascade chain of biological events brought on by inhaling poisonous dust. It’s possible that this inflammation causes symptoms like painful and scorching urination and may ultimately result in prostate cancer. According to research, firefighters, medical professionals, and other employees who worked at the disaster site on and after September 11, 2001, had higher-than-average prostate cancer risks.
Thyroid cancer
During and after the World Trade Center attacks, rescue and recovery personnel were exposed to toxic substances and dangerous debris. According to a recent release of a 10-year study, compared to the general population, September 11th responders had a risk of thyroid cancer that was more than twice as high. If you or a loved one is in pain, speak with a 9/11 thyroid cancer attorney for further details on the benefits that may be available.
Thyroid cancer develops in thyroid gland cells. The thyroid gland in the neck creates hormones that control several bodily functions, including heart rate, metabolism, blood pressure, and calcium absorption. The thyroid can alter in several ways, including how much hormone it produces, how big, and how it looks physically. While the body is affected by these changes, not all of them are brought on by cancer. Although benign thyroid tumors can form, it’s essential to keep an eye on any changes to be sure they’re not the consequence of thyroid cancer.
Given that symptoms like weight gain, loss, and exhaustion can be caused by a variety of diseases or by benign thyroid conditions, it can be challenging to identify thyroid cancer symptoms. Medical testing is required to identify thyroid cancer and differentiate it from benign conditions.
PTSD
Before September 11, 2001, many individuals believed that trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were conditions that occurred to soldiers in distant conflict zones. But it became evident that trauma might strike far closer to home after the entire country watched the Twin Towers collapse on television. Additionally, it was also observed that you didn’t have to participate physically to feel the impact. Many people in America are still getting affected by PTSD as a result of 9/11.
People with PTSD continue to experience powerful, uncomfortable thoughts and sensations connected to their experience long after the terrible incident has passed. They might repeat the incident due to flashbacks or dreams, which could result in emotions like sadness, fear, or fury and a sense of estrangement from other people. Individuals with PTSD may avoid situations or people that remind them of the traumatic event because they are exposed to loud noises or inadvertent touches that can cause them to have unpleasant solid reactions.
Conclusion
We can say that the horrific event of 9/11 still affects people’s lives. The first responders, rescuers, and many other people directly or indirectly associated with the event are experiencing physical and mental diseases. The said diseases continue to affect the lives of the affected people and their loved ones.
People can claim money for treatment for physical diseases under provisions like prostate cancer claims. On the other hand, the family members of the patients should take guidance from doctors and indulge in some form of self-care to help the patients and themselves go through it. And for mental diseases, people should seek professional help.