Cancer Prevention
Cancer is the most dangerous threat to firefighter health and safety today.
Are firefighters’ risks for certain types of cancer significantly higher?
Firefighters’ risks are significantly higher for some specific types of cancer than the general population.
In 2013, NIOSH researchers reported a two-fold excess of malignant mesothelioma, a very rare cancer. Put another way, firefighters have a 100 percent increased risk (100 percent = double = 2 times) of getting mesothelioma. Firefighters have a 129 percent increased risk of dying from mesothelioma. A 2006 meta-analysis by Grace LeMasters of 32 firefighter cancer studies noted a two-fold excess for testicular cancer. Firefighters have a 62 percent higher risk of getting esophageal cancer, and they have a 39 percent increased risk of dying from esophageal cancer, according to the NIOSH research.
Here’s an overview with some specific additional risks for firefighters noted:
Testicular Cancer
Mesothelioma
Multiple Myeloma
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Skin Cancer
Malignant Melanoma
Brain Cancer
Prostate Cancer
Colon Cancer
Leukemia
TAKE THE NEXT STEP IN YOUR WELLNESS JOURNEY
An introductory meeting with Dr. McCarthy will allow us to get to know your comprehensive physical and mental health goals prior to setting up a personalized nutrition and fitness plan just for you. We'll explore all preventative health and lifestyle options before discussing possible medication needs.