Cancer Concerns for Firefighters

 "Firefighter have an elevated risk of cancer due to the occupational exposures they have. A lot of chemicals when they burn they don't disappear they actually particularize and aerosolize ... "

 — Dr. Christine Kannler
Dermatologist

Why are firefighters at increased risk for cancer?

According to dermatolgist Dr. Christine Kannler, firefighters have an increased risk of cancer due to occupational exposure to a variety of chemicals, from inhaled burning carcinogens to skin-to-soot absorption. Kannler became involved in the state screening progrm for melanoma and other skin cancers after her firefighter brother passed away from cancer at the age of 36.

How prevalent is cancer among firefighters?

Retired firefighter and fire instructor Joe Marchetti is part of the Massachusetts Fire Academy cancer awareness and prevention program. He says that 65% of the line of duty deaths in the fire service are due to cancer.

What did Brewster Fire Departement do?

On September 1 the Brewster Fire Department held a skin cancer screening clinic at the fire station with Dr. Kannler, as part of statewide effort to screen and create awareness in order to reduce cancer deaths among firefighters.