We're Fighting More than Flames on the Fire Ground

Approaching the topic of cancer prevention in the fire service seems to be a lot like purchasing life insurance or writing a will; it is something we recognize the need for, and yet cringe at the thought of having to do something about it. To be completely honest, I had little desire on my own to dig deeper into the subject. It took my wife expressing her concerns before I took a serious look at how my daily practices could be affecting not only my own of risk of a cancer diagnosis, but exposing my family to harmful agents as well. I owe it to both my wife and two daughters to consider how I approach this topic.

The IAFF recently hosted a webinar highlighting several studies that have shown firefighters are at a greater risk for numerous cancers than that of the general population. In the case of testicular cancer, it is upwards of two times greater. This probably isn't breaking news for you. It is something that most in the fire service have been told for some time. The difference is that we now have have supporting studies with specific evidences. 

Two In, Two Out

In recent years, safety has been pushed like never before. With this came new phrases that serve as the foundations of what we pass along to others in the fire service. Over and over again, you will hear fire service mantras such as have the "courage to stay safe," "everybody goes home," and "we risk a lot to save a lot; we risk little to save little." 

This constant push towards a safer work environment is a positive thing. I have no doubt that lives have been, and will continue to be, saved as a result. It is important to recognize that each of these campaigns towards a safer work environment were started because of a catastrophic loss.