With the 17th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks a month away, the federal World Trade Center Health Program has counted 9,795 first responders, downtown workers, residents, students and others with cancer deemed 9/11-related.

In all, more than 1,700 responders and others affected have died, including 420 of those stricken with cancer, officials said.

"9/11 is still killing," said John Feal, an advocate for WTC responders. "Sadly, this fragile community of heroes and survivors is shrinking by the day."