Firefighter Cancer Facts

  • Firefighter cancer refers to cancers that are linked to the increased occupational exposure firefighters face while performing their duties. Firefighters are regularly exposed to toxic smoke, hazardous chemicals, and carcinogens released during fires, which can significantly raise their risk of developing certain types of cancer compared to the general population.

  • During fires, modern building materials, furniture, vehicles, and industrial products release dangerous chemicals when burned. Even with protective gear, firefighters can be exposed through:

    • Inhalation of toxic smoke and gases

    • Skin absorption of carcinogens

    • Contaminated turnout gear and equipment

    • Diesel exhaust exposure

    • Long-term cumulative exposure over a career

    These exposures may occur at structure fires, vehicle fires, training burns, overhaul operations, and even back at the fire station if proper decontamination practices are not followed.

  • Research has shown increased rates of several cancers among firefighters, including:

    • Lung cancer

    • Prostate cancer

    • Testicular cancer

    • Multiple myeloma

    • Non-Hodgkin lymphoma

    • Leukemia

    • Skin cancers (including melanoma)

    • Brain cancer

    • Kidney and bladder cancer

  • Early detection saves lives. Understanding occupational risks helps firefighters:

    • Reduce exposure through safer practices

    • Advocate for regular screening and monitoring

    • Recognize symptoms sooner

    • Seek medical support earlier

    The Hawkes Initative is committed to providing education, awareness, and resources that help firefighters protect themselves and their families.

  • Cancer is the leading cause of Firefighter deaths

    • Cancer is now the leading cause of line-of-duty deaths among firefighters

    • In Canada, approximately 94% of line-of-duty deaths among career firefighters have been linked to occupational cancer

    • Workers’ compensation data shows cancer accounted for nearly 85% of firefighter fatality claims between 2007-2021.

    Increased Cancer risk compared to the general population

    • Firefighters may have about a 9% higher risk of cancer diagnosis and a 14% higher risk of cancer-related death compared to the general population

    • Ontario research shows firefighters have approximately a 23% higher risk of developing cancer compared to other workers

    • Some studies suggest firefighter may be nearly twice as likely to develop cancer depending on exposure history and career duration

  • Research shows major exposure occurs during:

    • Overhaul operations

    • Gear Handling

    • Station Contamination

    • Dirty Turnout gear

    Skin absorption is a major exposure pathway

    • Neck

    • Jawline

    • Groin

    • Armpits

  • Today’s building materials release carcinogens such as

    • Benzene

    • Formaldehyde

    • Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)

    • PFAS and flame retardants

    Synthetic materials dramatically increase toxic exposure compared to legacy fires.

Prevention and Safety

  • Rise gear with low-pressure water (before getting back in the rig)

    Scrub high-contact areas:

    • Helmet

    • Gloves

    • Jacket Cuffs

    • SCBA Straps

    Keep SCBA on during overhaul whenever possible

    Bag dirty gear (don’t toss it loose in the cab)

    Avoid eating, drinking, or using tobacco before cleaning up

  • Turnout gear is a major exposure source

    • Wash gear after every fire

    • Use extractors designed for bunker gear

    • Follow NFPA cleaning guidelines ( no household washers)

    • Never take gear home

    • Clean hood frequently (they’re one of the dirtiest items)

  • Cancer risk isn’t just from fires- its from cross-contamination

    • No dirty gear in living quarters

    • Regularly clean:

      • Apparatus cabs

      • Seats

      • Door handles

    • Separate “clean” and “dirty” zones in that station

    • Wash hands before meals- every time

  • Your body matters as much as the gear

    • Wipe down exposed skin immediately with baby wipes or firefighter decon wipes:

      • Neck

      • Jaw

      • Throat

      • Face

      • Hands

    • Shower within one hour of the incident if possible

    • Wash hair thoroughly- soot sticks there

    • Change into clean clothes ASAP

  • Early detection is one of the most powerful tools in reducing cancer-related deaths. When cancer is identified at an early stage:

    • Treatment is often more effective

    • Survival rates are significantly higher

    • Less aggressive treatment may be required

    • Recovery times can be shorter

    Because firefighters face increased exposure to carcinogens throughout their careers, proactive screening and regular health monitoring are essential.

  • Firefighters are exposed to toxic substances through:

    • Smoke and combustion byproducts

    • Synthetic building materials

    • Diesel exhaust

    • Contaminated turnout gear and equipment

    These exposures may increase risk for certain cancers, which means firefighters may benefit from more consistent and proactive screening compared to the general population.

  • While screening should always be individualized, common screenings may include:

    Annual physical and occupational health evaluation

    • Comprehensive medical history review

    • Blood work and baseline monitoring

    • Skin examination

    Prostate Cancer Screening

    • PSA blood testing (age and risk dependent)

    • Important due to increased incidence among firefighters

    Colon Cancer Screening

    • Colonoscopy or stool-based testing

    • Often recommended beginning at age 45 or earlier depending on risk factors

    Testicular Cancer Awareness

    • Self-exams and awareness of changes

    • Early detection leads to very high survival rates

    Skin Cancer Screening

    • Regular dermatology check

    • Monitoring of moles or skin changes due to exposure risk

    Lung Health Monitoring

    • discuss imaging or lung screening if there is a history of smoke exposure or additional risk factors