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Thursday, August 19: Stand Strong Against Cancer

Firefighters and emergency responders may face increased risk of cancer due to environmental and behavior factors. While research is still being conducted to determine if first responders are at higher risk of getting certain types of cancer than the rest of the population, there are measures that first responders should take to eliminate dangerous behaviors that could lead to a cancer diagnosis.
 
Exposure to carcinogens such as asbestos, soot, and tobacco smoke are linked with certain types of cancers. Emergency personnel should wear full PPE when at the fireground to lessen risk of exposure to smoke, soot, and contaminants. First responders should also refrain from smoking, or quit if you are currently a smoker. It is also important to get regular screenings for common types of cancers to ensure that if you do have cancer it is caught early so that treatment can begin as soon as possible.
 
Other lifestyle choices that can help lessen your risk of certain types of cancer include maintaining a healthy weight, participating in regular physical activity, eating a health diet with lots of fruits and vegetables, limited alcohol consumption, and protecting your skin (source: American Cancer Society). Take this day of National Firefighter Health Week to identify your cancer risks and what you can do to minimize these risks.
 
 
What You Can Do Today
  • If you smoke, make a plan to quit. The NVFC’s Put It Out smoking cessation initiative has tools and information to help you – visit www.healthy-firefighter.org/putitout to get started today.
  • Implement a smoking cessation campaign in your department. Even if you don’t smoke, you could be increasing your risk of cancer through exposure to second-hand smoke. Plus, by helping your department members become smoke-free, you’re improving the health of your whole team. Find information and tools at www.healthy-firefighter.org/putitout.
  • Get screened. Regular health screenings help you stay in charge of your health and can ensure you catch any problems early. This podcast covers the importance of regular health screenings and the types of screenings recommended for different age groups.
  • Get moving. Exercise reduces your risk of many diseases, including cancer.
  • Limit alcohol intake. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drinking daily increases the risk of mouth, voice box, throat, liver, breast, and colon cancer. Remember that you can still enjoy drinks in moderation.
  • Put on your sunscreen – and more. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. To help prevent skin cancer while still having fun outdoors, protect yourself by seeking shade, applying sunscreen, and wearing sun-protective clothing, a hat, and sunglasses.
 
 
Resources
 
The United States Fire Administration (USFA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) are partnering on a study to examine the potential for increased risk of cancer among firefighters due to exposures from smoke, soot, and other contaminants in the line of duty. The multi-year study was announced in April 2010.
 
View the American Cancer Society’s recommended guidelines for adult screenings for certain types of cancers as well as tips to help reduce the risk of cancer.
 
This resource provides the recommendations of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and other organizations for selected health screenings, including many types of cancers. The list was prepared as part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Healthier Worksite Initiative.
 
The National Cancer Institute provides facts and information about cancer screenings. Specific information about tests to detect certain types of cancers is also available on the NCI web site at www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/screening.
 
In this five minute podcast, Gail Fast of L&T Health and Fitness discusses the importance of regular health screenings and the types of screenings recommended for different age groups. L&T Health and Fitness provides the health screenings at the NVFC’s Heart-Healthy Firefighter trade show booth. This podcast was recorded in August 2009.
 
The mission of the Firefighter Cancer Support Network is to provide fire department members and their families with an opportunity to receive assistance when dealing with cancer. The Network includes a mentor program of those who have personal experience dealing with different types of cancer. FCSN also provides awareness to fire service members and their families about the importance of cancer prevention and screening as well as offers assistance and guidance for those dealing with a cancer diagnosis.
 
Firehouse.com
Firehouse.com has produced many articles and podcasts that address firefighter cancer. These include:
 
This story from FDNNTV.com looks at different risk factors firefighters face, including the possibility for increased risk for cancer due to factors such as exposure to smoke and toxins.
 
The ACS provides a wide range of cancer resources and information for patients, family, survivors, caregivers, health information seekers, and healthcare professionals.
 
The NCI provides information, research, and resources regarding all types of cancer, prevention, treatments, coping with cancer, screenings, and more.
 
As a leader in nationwide efforts to ease the burden of cancer, CDC works with national cancer organizations, state health agencies, and other key groups to develop, implement, and promote effective strategies for preventing and controlling cancer. The site contains research, resources, and information regarding cancer, prevention, and survivorship.
 
Smoking Cessation
 
It is well-known that smoking is linked to a number of health issues and diseases, including certain types of cancers. While it is up to the individual to make the decision to protect their health by not smoking or quitting smoking, fire departments can help by creating a culture that is intolerant of smoking and by implementing no-smoking policies in the department.
 
This campaign from the NVFC’s Heart-Healthy Firefighter Program offers resources and tools to help first responders quit smoking and stay quite. The web site also provides resources for departments, state fire associations, and family members to help first responders in the quitting process and foster an environment that supports no-smoking.
 
Additional smoking cessation resources include: