There are now fifty-eight different forms of cancer that the federal government recognizes as directly attributable to toxins in the September 11 ruins, and for which it will fund treatment.

The addition finalizes a recommendation from Dr. John Howard, administrator of the World Trade Center Health Program. Howard proposed in June that the program accept the recommendations of its Science/Technical Advisory Committee and add some cancers to the coverage list — 14 categories in all.

The advisory committee review called for expanded “coverage for certain types of cancer resulting from exposure to toxins released at Ground Zero.”

“The publication of this final rule marks an important step in the effort to provide needed treatment and care to 9/11 responders and survivors through the WTC Health Program,” Howard said in a statement Monday.

The rule is expected to be published Wednesday in the Federal Register, and will take effect 30 days after its publication, Howard said.

First responders, volunteers, survivors of the attacks and residents near the site who meet specific qualifications will be eligible for coverage, according to the World Trade Center Health Program.

The terrorist attacks may have occurred eleven years ago as a matter of history, but for the victims, the heroes, and their families, I’m sure it’s relived on some level every single day.