Cancer is one of many occupational risks in the fire service. Numerous studies have proven that the risk of being diagnosed with cancer is higher among firefighters than the general population:   

• A 2006 study conducted by the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine reviewed 32 studies on firefighters to determine the cancer risk.  The study’s results confirmed previous findings of an elevated risk for multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, prostate, and testicular cancers.  Eight additional cancers were listed as having a “possible” association with firefighting. Read a review of the study by clicking here. 
• In a three-year study completed in 2005 by the University of Cincinnati, researchers concluded that firefighters face a 102% greater chance of contracting testicular cancer than any other type of worker, a 53% greater chance of multiple myeloma, a 51% greater chance of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a 39% greater chance of skin cancer, a 32% greater chance of brain cancer, a 28% greater chance of prostate cancer, a 22% greater chance of stomach cancer, and a 21% greater chance of colon cancer.  Click here to learn more.

Firefighters at Portland Fire & Rescue have been rallying during July 2010 at special events in Oregon in support of firefighters and members of the firefighter’s family who are winning their battles with cancer and in memory of those we have lost. This weekend, a group of Portland Firefighters participated in the American Cancer Society Relay For Life at Clackamas High School in Clackamas, Oregon, camping out overnight and take turns walking around the track to raise money and awareness to help the American Cancer Society save more lives from cancer.

Firefighters were proud to be a part this life-changing event and enjoyed the chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against a disease that often takes too much.

  Portland Fire & Rescue We Respond: Always Ready, Always There

  July 19, 2010