Firefighting exposes crews to cancer-causing substances; Springfield hospital offers free screenings
SPRINGFIELD — Firefighters face not only the immediate dangers of their profession but also the long-term health risks associated with exposure to cancer-causing substances. In an effort to address this issue, Mercy Medical Center in Springfield is offering free screenings for firefighters to detect cancer at its earlier stages.
The urgency to address this issue is deeply personal for Chicopee Fire Chief Dan Stamborski, who witnessed his father, Robert Stamborski, succumb to bladder cancer believed to be caused by exposure to diesel fumes during his 28-year firefighting career. Reflecting on the past, Chief Stamborski lamented, There was nothing to protect these brave firefighters in my father’s era.
Jon Sawyer, a former firefighter at Westover Air Reserve Base in Chicopee, also experienced the devastating effects of cancer following his career in firefighting. After 41 years of service, he was diagnosed with melanoma, likely caused by exposure to burning chemicals and other carcinogens.
The prevalence of cancer among firefighters is alarming. According to data from the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), cancer accounted for 66% of line-of-duty deaths among firefighters from 2002 to 2019. Additionally, research by the CDC/National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH) reveals that firefighters have a 9% higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer and a 14% higher risk of dying from cancer compared to the general U.S. population.
Recognizing the need for proactive measures, the state Department of Fire Services has taken a more aggressive stance on screenings for firefighters. Mercy Medical Center was recently awarded an $81,000 grant to establish a screening program specifically catering to first responders aged 40 and above with at least 10 years of firefighting experience. Ashley LeBlanc, nursing director of the lung cancer screening program at Mercy, emphasized the importance of early detection, highlighting that many cancers don’t show signs or symptoms until they’re in advanced stages.
While strides have been made to improve protective measures for firefighters, such as air purification devices and enhanced gear, there are ongoing challenges. The weight and heat of firefighting gear often prompt firefighters to remove their protective clothing briefly for relief, potentially exposing themselves to harmful substances. Additionally, cultural norms within some departments reinforce the notion that dirty gear is a mark of experience and toughness, creating a hazardous environment.
Beyond the immediate actions taken within fire departments, a larger-scale response is needed. However, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has not yet made specific recommendations for cancer screenings among firefighters due to a lack of substantial evidence. This gap reinforces the significance of initiatives like Mercy’s screening program, which aims to identify cancer in its early stages and empower firefighters to make informed decisions about their careers and personal lives.
Firefighters who meet the eligibility criteria can apply for screenings through the Department of Fire Services. Those deemed eligible will then be able to schedule an appointment with Mercy’s Fire Fighter Cancer Screening Program.
By addressing the pressing issue of cancer among firefighters, communities can work together to safeguard those who risk their lives daily to protect others.
