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All firefighters, both career and volunteer, put their lives at risk in a variety of ways.
In addition to the dangers inherent in putting out fires, firefighters are also at an increased risk for different types of cancers due to the smoke and hazardous chemicals they’re routinely exposed to in the line of duty.
There’ve been multiple studies proving an increased risk for cancer among firefighters.
Modern homes and buildings contain many synthetic and plastic materials which create more smoke when burning than natural materials. When such materials burn, they release a number of carcinogens (cancer-causing agents) including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), a group of more than 100 chemicals. Exposure to some PAHs can cause cancer.
Firefighters may also encounter other known carcinogens such as asbestos and diesel exhaust. These carcinogens can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin.
Wearing the proper personal protective equipment (PPE), including self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBA), offers protection and lessens exposure, although toxic chemicals can still penetrate the turnout gear and expose the skin to toxins.
According to a 2013 National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) study, firefighters nationwide have a 9% higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer and a 14% higher risk of dying from cancer than the general public. Some departments are tracking even higher rates among their members.
Another research study by the International Association of Firefighters in 2017 reports that cancer is the disease that causes the most death among firefighters, with a 61% rate of career line-of-duty deaths among firefighters between 2002 and 2017 being caused by it.
Cancer begins when genetic changes interfere with the body’s natural and orderly process of cell regeneration.
Cells start to grow uncontrollably. These cells often form masses called tumors. A tumor can be either cancerous or benign. A cancerous tumor is malignant, meaning it can grow and spread to other parts of the body. A benign tumor means the tumor can grow but will not spread.
Some types of cancer do not form a tumor. These include leukemias, most types of lymphoma, and myeloma.
Doctors divide cancer into types based on where it originates.
The four main types of cancer are:
Carcinomas. A carcinoma begins in the skin or the tissue that covers the surface of internal organs and glands. Carcinomas usually form solid tumors. They are the most common type of cancer. Examples of carcinomas include prostate cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, and colorectal cancer.
Sarcomas. A sarcoma begins in the tissues that support and connect the body. A sarcoma can develop in fat, muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, blood vessels, lymph vessels, cartilage, or bone.
Leukemias. Leukemia is a cancer of the blood. Leukemia begins when healthy blood cells change and grow uncontrollably. The 4 main types of leukemia are acute lymphocytic leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, and chronic myeloid leukemia.
Lymphomas. Lymphoma is a cancer that begins in the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a network of vessels and glands that help fight infection. There are 2 main types of lymphomas: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
As a cancerous tumor grows, the bloodstream or lymphatic system may carry cancer cells to other parts of the body. During this process, the cancer cells grow and may develop into new tumors. This is known as metastasis.
One of the first places a cancer often spreads is to the lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are tiny, bean-shaped organs that help fight infection. They’re located in clusters in different parts of the body, such as the neck, groin area, and under the arms.
Cancer has always been the scourge of firefighting and that has not diminished. A 2018 article noted “Cancer is now the leading cause of death among firefighters, according to the Firefighter Cancer Support Network and the International Association of Firefighters.”
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