Firefighters Face Alarming Rise in Cancer Rates: Prostate Cancer Tops the List

Firefighters might fight fires and believe they have left unharmed when clearing the site, yet data reveals quite another narrative.

Firefighters have a 14% higher likelihood of succumbing to cancer compared to the average person. What’s behind this alarming statistic? Dense smoke filled with more than 200 recognized types of carcinogenic substances capable of seeping through their protective equipment.

"Despite being completely enclosed, particles can still enter through areas like our necks, armpits, groin, ankles, and wrists," says Deputy Fire Chief Brent Brainard from the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department.

Brainard discovered this through personal experience after being diagnosed with cancer at only 39 years of age.

“The growth developed at the bottom of my spine,” he stated. “Oddly enough for such an announcement, I was merely diagnosed with large diffuse B-cell lymphoma—I was at stage one.”

Each year, the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department typically sees around 15 cases of cancer, with prostate cancer being the most frequent. Additional common types include breast cancer, testicular cancer, and melanoma.

David Hunt, who serves as the department’s cancer and health coordinator, notes that out of all firefighter “on-duty fatalities” globally last year, 75% were due to cancer-related issues.

"Everything in modern building constructions seems to be brimming with potential cancer-causing agents, poisons, PFAS, you know," Hunt mentioned.

To address this escalating problem, the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department has been updating its safety protocols. Among these changes are mandating that teams wear their respirators throughout an entire incident and enhancing cleanup processes for personnel as well as gear.

Even with the sobering numbers, Brainard stays hopeful and highlighted the significance of education and precaution in combating cancer within the fire service sector.

He stated, 'There is a glimmer at the end of the tunnel.'