MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11) — Twenty-three years after the terror attacks of 9/11, thousands of people are still suffering from the effects of inhaling the toxic air in the aftermath of the attacks.

Hundreds have died from cancers and other illnesses. A Manhattan doctor uses state-of-the-art technology to help early detection of cancers in firefighters and others.

Dr. Robert Bard is a diagnostic radiology specialist. He uses the most highly developed imaging procedures to detect cancers. During PIX11’s visit, he used 3-D Doppler Ultrasound for a checkup of retired firefighter Sal Banchitta, who was exposed to poisonous toxins after the attacks of 9/11.

“In Sal’s case, we used 3-D Doppler to look for abnormal cancer vessels. We found none, so in the next six months, he’ll be cancer-free and come in for another checkup,” Bard said.

Since 9/11, the number of firefighters who have died from toxin-related illnesses has surpassed the 343 who were killed on that day. Bard has examined several firefighters. He found something in 14 of them.

“We found most of them were low grade things that stay there, they don’t move. We watch them with imaging. High-resolution ultrasounds are so accurate in finding cancer that we’re able to avoid biopsies,” he maintained. 

While many first responders have developed respiratory ailments, others have been diagnosed and died from cancer.

“Most common in firefighters is skin cancer, second most common is lung cancer,” according to Bard.

In another procedure, Bard used a high-resolution skin ultrasound to check for cancerous cells. An examination of Banchitta found a lesion that was pre-cancerous, not skin cancer.

Sal Banchitta was at Ground Zero on 9/11 and, for two months afterward, joined their recovery team.

Years later, his urologist detected an abnormality in his prostate, put him through a biopsy and wanted more tests until he met Bard.

“Dr. Bard did an ultrasound and found a low-grade cancer spot that coincided with an MRI that both showed I had no cancer,” Banchitta remembered.

“Cancer treatment is easier and more effective if we find it early,” Bard declared.

“There are many tools out there. Patients should know about Dr. Bard’s tools. His technology is amazing,” Banchitta added.

The state-of-the-art technology is an alternative to painful biopsies. Doctors say the accuracy of their diagnosis has been proven over the years. Twenty-three years after the devastating attacks of 9/11, first responders and civilians alike are still being advised, if they were anywhere near ground zero and inhaled the poisonous toxic air, to get checked now to make sure they’re okay.