The Affiliate Leadership Training Summit (ALTS) kicked off in New Orleans with workshops focused on cancer awareness and early detection for IAFF members. Experts discussed the unique health risks fire fighters face, particularly those linked to occupational cancers and reproductive health.
Sessions highlighted the importance of regular medical and cancer screenings and self-advocacy, encouraging members to take proactive steps to protect their health from job-related exposures.
IAFF Chief Medical Officer Dr. Dan Whu, MD, MPH, spoke about the importance of early screening and advocacy, given the higher prevalence of occupational cancer in the fire service.
“In the fire service, it is imperative that fire fighters are screened for these conditions, as recommended by NFPA 1582. As discussed at our recent ALTS presentation, early and timely screening leads to early identification of disease and that leads to early intervention, which results in decreased fire fighter morbidity and mortality,” said Whu.
At a workshop on fire service health research, including cancer and PFAS, Dr. Jeff Burgess, director of the Center for Firefighter Health Collaborative Research at the University of Arizona, spoke to members about the importance of proactive health measures.
“We really need to look at health holistically, considering all aspects. It’s crucial to think about ways to reduce your exposure on the fireground and elsewhere. We talked about reducing your exposure to forever chemicals, but it’s also important to focus on your exercise, sleep, and mental health. Your diet matters too. All of these factors help protect you from the hazards of firefighting,” Burgess said.
We really need to look at health holistically, considering all aspects. It’s crucial to think about ways to reduce your exposure on the fireground and elsewhere.
Dr. Jeff Burgess, University of Arizona
Holden “Mike” Leon, Louisiana state director for the Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN), spoke at the ALTS event about the importance of Fire Fighter Cancer Awareness Month. “It’s a great opportunity for fire fighters across the country to learn through the IAFF or FCSN,” he said.
Leon highlights the critical role of developing good habits, like decontamination methods after exposure to high-risk environments. “Using water on scene to clean yourself before getting back into the truck and changing your uniform when you return to the station, can significantly reduce cancer risks and save lives,” he said.
Dr. Brittany S. Hollerbach, former fire fighter and now associate scientist at the Center for Fire, Rescue & EMS Health Research, highlighted reproductive health trends in both female and male fire fighters, showing increased risks of miscarriage and infertility.
Recent studies also show female fire fighters face a 46 percent increased risk of breast cancer and a 500 percent higher chance of developing cervical cancer compared to the general population. For men, an International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) report reveals a 30 percent higher risk of prostate cancer, and a review of multiple studies indicates a 34 percent increased risk of testicular cancer among fire fighters.
Research presented by Dr. Luke Montrose from Colorado State University examined the long-term effects of repeated high-dose exposure to wildfire smoke. The sessions also highlighted how fire fighters can take a more active role in their health, addressing barriers like cost, access to care, and fear.
“The goal this month is to spread the information so people understand that there are steps we can take to prevent cancer. It’s crucial that fire fighters have the tools they need to protect themselves,” said Holden.
For more information or resources, visit the link here.