Honor, Pride, and Tradition - The Fight Against Cancer in the Modern Fire Service

Firefighters talk about their own experiences regarding cancer and their personal advice to everyone on how to deal with this terrible disease. A must watch for everyone especially first responders.

FACT: Cancer is sweeping through the fire service NOW.

FACT: By the age of 60 TWICE as many firefighters die from cancer than cardiac arrest.

FACT: We're still being exposed to these chemicals on a daily basis and these are bio-accumulative. They build up in our systems.

FACT: The connection between firefighting and cancer is REAL.

FACT: Firefighters are 1.14 times more likely to be diagnosed with Leukemia than the general population.

FACT: Firefighters are 1.21 times more likely to be diagnosed with Colon Cancer than the general population.

FACT: Firefighters are 1.31 times more likely to be diagnosed with Brain Cancer than the general population.

FACT: Firefighters are 1.31 times more likely to be diagnosed with Malignant Melanoma than the general population.

FACT: Firefighters are 1.39 times more likely to be diagnosed with Skin Cancer than the general population.

FACT: Firefighters are 1.51 times more likely to be diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma than the general population.

FACT: Firefighters are 2.02 times more likely to be diagnosed with Testicular Cancer than the general population.


What can we do?

1. Wear our SCBA longer through overhaul.

2. Clean firefighting gear after every fire.

3. Remove our hoods promptly and use skin wipes.

4. Shower and put on a clean uniform.

Change is difficult. Firefighters need to take more responsibility for their own health and cultivate lifestyle changes that will lessen their risks for cancer.