Firefighter Cancer Screenings: What Every Department Should Be Doing

By: Emergency Technical Decon Team

Firefighters are exposed to far more than flames and smoke. Each time they respond to a fire, they face invisible, long-term risks from carcinogens—many of which embed themselves into turnout gear, helmets, gloves, and even the air they breathe during overhaul. Over time, this repeated exposure has led to alarming cancer rates in the fire service, prompting action across departments, states, and now the federal government.

The growing awareness of cancer as a leading cause of firefighter death has sparked new standards for gear cleaning, a renewed emphasis on health monitoring, and the advancement of legislation to support early detection efforts.

Why Cancer Screenings Matter in the Fire Service

According to a study by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), firefighters are 9% more likely to be diagnosed with cancer and 14% more likely to die from cancer than the general population. Common cancers include prostate, lung, colorectal, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, with growing concern over increased risks for mesothelioma and skin cancers.

These illnesses are often tied to chronic exposure to hazardous substances such as benzene, formaldehyde, PAHs, and PFAS—which persist on gear even after a single fire. Early detection saves lives. Catching cancer in its early stages drastically improves treatment success and reduces recovery time, allowing firefighters to continue their careers and lives with fewer complications.

The Role of Decontamination in Cancer Prevention

Proper gear decontamination is a frontline defense against occupational cancer. Harmful contaminants like PAHs, PFAS, and heavy metals adhere to PPE fabrics and accumulate over time, often going unnoticed.

Key decontamination practices include:

• On-scene gross decontamination using wipes or quick rinses to remove surface contaminants
• Showering and changing within one hour of returning to the station
• Routine advanced gear cleaning, especially using liquid CO2 systems, which remove up to 99% of PFAS and toxic residues
• Separate storage of clean and dirty gear to prevent cross-contamination in apparatus bays and living quarters

Many traditional water-based cleaning systems fail to remove PFAS and other persistent toxins, and worse—can disperse those chemicals into municipal water supplies, leading to broader health and environmental concerns.

Legislative Momentum: Support for Screening & Prevention

In recent years, legislative efforts have begun to reflect the severity of the firefighter cancer crisis.

• The Firefighter Cancer Registry Act, passed in 2018, directed the CDC to develop and maintain a national registry to track cancer incidence among firefighters and gather critical exposure data.
• In 2023, lawmakers introduced the FIGHT Act (Firefighter Investments to Grant Health Treatments), a bipartisan bill aimed at expanding federal funding for early cancer screenings, preventive care, and treatment access for firefighters.
• Additionally, the designation of PFAS hazardous substance designation under CERCLA underscores the growing regulatory landscape around firefighter exposure—and the need for compliant decontamination practices.

These actions signal an important shift in how firefighter health is being prioritized—not just in the field, but in federal policy.

Best Practices for Cancer Detection and Health Monitoring

Every fire department should establish a proactive health and wellness program that includes:

• Annual physicals that incorporate screenings for the most common firefighter-related cancers
• Baseline and follow-up health evaluations, including bloodwork, cancer marker tracking, and dermatological checks
• Documentation of exposure history, which can help identify trends and support future health claims
• Wellness education, encouraging firefighters to report symptoms early and seek support
• Cancer screening accessibility, especially for departments with high call volume or proximity to hazardous materials

Departments should also emphasize a culture of health—where firefighters feel supported in speaking up, staying informed, and seeking regular medical care.

At Emergency Technical Decon (ETD), we are committed to reducing cancer risk through proven decontamination strategies. But we know cancer prevention doesn’t stop at clean gear. That’s why we’re proud to partner with the V Foundation for Cancer Research, a nationally recognized leader in cancer awareness and funding. Together, we’re amplifying the message that firefighter cancer is not inevitable through the Turnout for Firefighters Cancer Research Fund.

Through this partnership, ETD is not only supporting innovation in PPE cleaning but also helping advance the V Foundation’s mission of accelerating cancer research, improving access to screenings, and ultimately finding cures. It’s a shared commitment to doing more—for the fire service and for every firefighter whose health and future depend on our actions.

Is your department doing everything it can to protect your crew? Contact ETD to learn how we can support your cancer prevention efforts with the most effective cleaning solutions in the fire service.