Even better than detecting cancer early enough to effectively treat it? Preventing it from developing in the first place.
That’s one of the aims of the research we are conducting to determine the best evidence-based decontamination and safety procedures for firefighters to reduce their cancer risks. As we learn more, we will disseminate guidance for firefighters, departments, and policymakers, including on our website.
In the meantime, firefighters should follow these best practices developed by the International Association of Fire Fighters and the Firefighter Cancer Support Network:
Taking the proper actions on the job is only one part of reducing cancer risk, however. There are also many steps firefighters should take in their daily lives. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, healthy lifestyle choices that reduce risk for cancer include:
- Avoid tobacco and marijuana: Smoking cigarettes is the top risk factor for lung cancer — and lung cancer is the No. 1 cause of cancer fatalities. Marijuana, meanwhile, is increasingly being linked to many forms of cancer in numerous studies. The patterns of types of cancers occurring in smokers of either tobacco or marijuana are appearing eerily similar. Secondhand smoke is another cause of cancers.
- Limit alcohol: Alcohol is a significant risk factor for cancer. In fact, roughly 20,000 people die each year in the U.S. from cancers linked to alcohol use. People who choose to drink should do so in moderation: two or fewer drinks per day for men and one or fewer for women.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese increases risk for numerous kinds of cancer, with more 693,000 people diagnosed with an obesity-related cancer in the U.S. in 2021. Eating a well-balanced diet is a critical component of maintaining a healthy weight, as is exercising. Adults are advised to engage in moderate-intensity exercise for at least 150 minutes per week.
- Protect skin: Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays is the primary cause of skin cancers. Strategies to protect oneself from UV rays include avoiding direct sunlight when possible, covering exposed skin with clothing, and using sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. These strategies are most important on days on which the UV Index is 3 or higher.