The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute now offers a cancer care program designed specifically for fire fighters across the country.
The program, Direct Connect for Firefighters, was beta tested with members of
Boston, MA Local 718 and then the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts last year.
“The PFFM is incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to work with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute toward a future where fire fighters can do their jobs without sacrificing their long-term health,” PFFM President Rich MacKinnon said. “The expansion of the Direct Connect program for fire fighters represents a critical step toward that goal.”
The expanded program focuses on three areas: providing oncology-related educational material for fire fighter training programs, offering fire fighter organizations clinical guidance on cancer screening and early detection, and collaborating on research to develop tailored cancer screening and early detection recommendations specifically for fire fighters.
For Local 718 members, the program became an extension of its Boston Fire Cancer Foundation, which provides direct support to members diagnosed with cancer. Specifically, the institute helps Boston fire fighter cancer patients connect with cancer support services and therapies.
“The partnership and efforts of Dana-Farber and the Boston Fire Cancer Foundation — led by Boston fire fighter Dan Ranahan — are resulting in enhanced access to specialized care, vital education to our fire fighters, and collaboration on research that could lead to a deeper understanding of the cancer risks inherent in our profession,” Local 718 President Sam Dillon said. “Fire fighter lives will no doubt be saved by the utilization of this program.”
Heather Cloran Di Lorenzo, Senior Director of Commercial and Market Strategy at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, said the goal “is to provide fire fighters with personalized support and access to cutting-edge cancer screening and prevention strategies.”
“We know now that cancer is the number one killer of fire fighters due to the toxins we are exposed to every day on the job. Any weapon we can add to our arsenal to fight against this horrible disease helps save lives,” 3rd District Vice President Jay Colbert said. “I commend the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute for focusing in on this important and providing this valuable resource.”
Visit the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute website to learn more or contact program personnel.
