January marks Fire Fighter Cancer Awareness Month, a powerful time to shine light on the unjust risks fire fighters face every day as they put their lives on the line for our safety and wellbeing. Fire fighters are 9% more likely to develop cancer and 14% more likely to die from it. This month creates an opportunity to highlight the ways we can unite to extinguish cancer together by raising awareness on this important cause. 

Fire fighters are among our best and bravest. They are frequently exposed to extreme conditions and danger in order to protect our communities and our lives—as demonstrated most recently in the tragic California wildfires. As if these conditions were not enough, the presence of PFAS, toxic forever chemicals, in both their bunker gear and the foams used in firefighting are believed to be clear and present danger to their long-term health. Tragically, far more than the flames are a danger to the lives of these brave men and women.

Cancer is the leading cause of line-of-duty deaths among North American Fire Fighters. In 2023, nearly three of every four names added to the IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial Wall died of occupational cancer. These statistics highlight the urgent need for increased awareness, preventative measures, and support systems to protect those who risk their lives daily. 

Fighting for Fire Fighters  

The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) is at the forefront of advocating for the health and safety of current and future generations of fire fighters. By working together with organizations like the American Cancer Society and the National Firefighter Cancer Registry, the IAFF works to help its members access resources, research and support. These collaborations have led to groundbreaking studies and programs aimed at reducing occupational cancer risks and improving early detection and treatment.

Advocacy 

American Cancer Society (ACS) 

On December 2, 2021, the American Cancer Society and the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) announced a long-term collaboration to help fire fighters and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel with prevention, detection, and treatment of cancer. The IAFF – ACS collaboration provides new resources, tools and prevention techniques to help protect fire fighters with the hope of preventing future disease. Both groups also provide critical patient support services to improve the quality of life for fire fighters and their families living with cancer while advocating for improved access to care.

Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN) 

In partnership with the Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN), the IAFF has designated January as Fire Fighter Cancer Awareness Month to provide fire fighters the necessary tools and guidance to develop life-saving protocols for cancer prevention and to support those with a cancer diagnosis within their departments.

PFAS Law Firms 

Motley Rice is proud to be part of an independent team of toxic tort law firms assembled by the IAFF to advocate for those affected by PFAS exposure at work. Together, the PFAS Law Firms aim to hold corporations accountable for manufacturing dangerous PFAS products and push for the creation of safe alternatives. Fire fighter personal injury cases are related to specific cancers, including kidney (renal) cancer, liver cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid cancer, as well as thyroid disease and ulcerative colitis. 

The National Firefighter Registry (NFR) for Cancer 

The National Firefighter Registry (NFR) for Cancer is the largest existing effort undertaken to understand and reduce cancer among U.S. fire fighters. In 2018, Congress passed the Fire Fighter Cancer Registry Act. This Act directed NIOSH to develop a voluntary registry to better understand the link between firefighting and cancer. 

A Call to Action

Fire fighter Cancer Awareness Month is more than a time to reflect; it’s a call to action. Whether you’re a fire fighter, a family member, or simply a grateful citizen, we all have a role to play. By spreading awareness, improving safety standards, and supporting ongoing research, we can honor fire fighters by working to safeguard their health as they continue to protect ours.

About The Author