Firefighters have a 9% higher risk of getting cancer and 14% higher risk of dying from it compared to the general U.S. population according to health officials.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The Corpus Christi Fire Department is taking steps to protect firefighters from cancer — the leading cause of death for them.
A resolution will be presented to Corpus Christi City Council on Tuesday for a two-year contract for Galleri multi-cancer early detection tests. These tests can detect more than 50 types of cancer. CCFD Chief Brandon Wade said it is a critical step toward a CCFD wellness program.
While protecting our community, firefighters are exposed to carcinogens in multiple ways. Wade said that includes encountering smoke from fires, hazardous materials calls, diesel exhaust and more.
“What we have seen through the research through a number of years is the number one killer of firefighters right now is cancer,” Wade said. “Because of the exposures.”
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health research, firefighters have a 9% higher risk of getting cancer and 14% higher risk of dying from it compared to the general U.S. population.
For CCFD to have a healthy workforce, Wade said firefighters must be provided with occupational cancer screenings to detect it as soon as possible.
“To not only give the firefighters the best chance at surviving the cancer, but also for the overall health and wellness of our organization,” Wade said.
Wade explained that Galleri tests could provide annual cancer screenings for early detection.
“We have several firefighters that are battling cancer,” Wade said. “Last year, we lost a firefighter to occupational cancer, and we’ll be putting Mark Solis on the memorial wall in Colorado Springs this year.”
Wade said Galleri tests could allow CCFD to get all firefighters tested this calendar year—except for those 21 years old and younger, who the cancer screening is not recommended for. Eventually, House Bill 198 will mandate cancer screenings for firefighters across Texas.
“We’re even trying to be in front of that legislation and provide that critical care for our firefighters,” Wade said.
Wade explained that cancer risk does not stop after a firefighter’s retirement. While they are not exposed to carcinogens anymore, they could still be diagnosed with cancer from what they were exposed to during their career.
He said cancer screenings can help current and retired firefighters as they continue living their life after serving their community.