Cancer - IAFF

May 19, 2026
Fire fighters, cancer risk, and women’s health: What’s known – and what’s still emerging

As research into occupational cancer and reproductive health expands, fire service leaders are working to turn emerging science into stronger policies, better protections, and reduced risks for women fire fighters.

Cancer

Labor Rights

Occupational Safety

PFAS

news
May 18, 2026
Study targets PPE gap for women in the fire service

Dr. Meredith McQuerry is leading a multi-year FEMA-funded study at Florida State University, in collaboration with North Carolina State University and the NFPA’s Fire Protection Research Foundation, to improve PPE fit, mobility, and safety for women in the fire service.

Cancer

Occupational Safety

news
May 5, 2026
Austin fire fighter wins landmark cancer case

After a denied claim, Lt. Suzanne LaFollette’s legal victory could influence how occupational cancer cases are evaluated nationwide.

Cancer

Occupational Safety

news
Apr 28, 2026
Remembering St. John’s, NL Local 1075 President James ‘Jim’ O’Toole

A leader in the fight for occupational cancer protections, O’Toole helped change the law for fire fighters across Newfoundland and Labrador.

Canada

Cancer

Occupational Safety

news
Mar 12, 2026
New Mexico fire fighters strengthen cancer presumption with IAFF support

Years of coordinated advocacy from the New Mexico Professional Fire Fighters and the IAFF resulted in stronger presumptive coverage signed into law.

Cancer

Labor Wins

Legislation – US

news
Mar 4, 2026
British Columbia adds eight cancers to fire fighter presumptive coverage law

More than 5,000 IAFF members gain strengthened presumptive coverage as province updates occupational cancer law.

Canada

Cancer

Legislation – Canada

news
Feb 20, 2026
Firefighter cancer registry surpasses 40,000 participants

Now that a national cohort study on firefighter cancer has thousands of participants, the data needed to prevent the development of the disease could be on the way.

Cancer

news
Jan 16, 2026
Survivor families applaud passage of bipartisan Honor Act

Families of fire fighters lost to occupational cancer say the new federal law brings long-awaited recognition and support after years of IAFF advocacy.

Cancer

Labor Rights

Labor Wins

Legislation – US

news
Dec 22, 2025
What they’re saying: Lawmakers praise passage of bipartisan Honor Act

Democrats and Republicans are applauding new federal legislation recognizing occupational cancer as a line-of-duty death for fire fighters.

Cancer

Legislation – US

LODD

news
Dec 17, 2025
Trump signs Honor Act, recognizing fire fighter cancer as line-of-duty death

The IAFF-backed legislation expands federal death and education benefits for survivors.

Cancer

Legislation – US

LODD

news