National Firefighter Health Week - Day 4 - Stand Strong Against Cancer

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National Firefighter Health Week runs from August 16th - 20th, and is sponsored by the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC).  The theme for August 19th is "Stand Strong Against Cancer."

Many think that first responders have a higher risk of obtaining cancer because of the many chemicals they are exposed to.  Lillian Ricardo, Health & Safety Project Coordinator for the National Volunteer Fire Council states, "Firefighters have more opportunities to be exposed to carcinogens that may cause cancer, and so we feel it's very important topic to touch upon and give information about prevention of cancer, which also ties into the PPE [Personal Protective Equipment] day that we focus on." Part of that information is to offer links to supportive resources, which can be accessed at www.healthy-firefighter.org.

The Firefighter Cancer Support Network provides essential support within the fire service, according to Ricardo. "We reach out and associate newly diagnosed firefighters, active and retired, paid career and volunteers, and their immediate family members who are diagnosed, and associate them with a survivor of the same or similar form of cancer," explains Firefighter/Paramedic Mike Dubron with the Los Angeles County Fire Department and President of the Firefighter Cancer Support Network.

The Firefighter Cancer Support Network walks first responders and their families through the diagnosis process and prepares them for the treatments and surgeries that they may have to receive. Mike Dubron founded this organization because he himself is a survivor. Dubron says, "Unfortunately, I fell victim to the statistics that show firefighters are at increased risk for cancer, and at the age of 39, I was diagnosed with Colorectal Cancer. And nobody, whether you're a firefighter or a citizen that we serve, is ever prepared to go into a doctor's office and hear the words that you've been diagnosed with cancer."

Although Dubron was originally told his cancer had been in his body for eight years and was at Stage IV, he discovered it was actually in Stage I. He was fortunate it was caught early and that it was a slow growing tumor. Originally, he was not diagnosed, and it was not until fatigue took over that his cancer was discovered. Firefighter/Paramedic Dubron has now been in remission for seven years and is considered to be cancer-free. However, every six months he must undergo aggressive check-ups for any signs of cancer coming back.

"We want all members of the fire service, the fire community, including firefighters and extended family, to be sensitive to cancer and to changes in their body and the signals their body gives to them, " says Franklin Pratt, MD with the LA County Fire Department. "If you don't think it's right, you are probably correct. Don't let a healthcare professional be dismissive [to] what you know is a real concern. Never hesitate to get that second opinion."

University of Cincinnati studies have shown that Multiple Myeloma, Prostate Cancer, Testicular Cancer and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma were the top four cancers found in firefighters. All these studies and information can be found at www.firefightercancersupport.org.

Knowing your family history is important for you, and if you have been diagnosed, for your children. Dr. Pratt explains, "We can't undo the past, but we can use that information to help us in the future."

Firefighters can also perform daily tasks that can lower their cancer risk such as wearing PPE and making sure diesel fumes are removed from their stations. Mike Dubron explains that if first responders have diesel exhaust removal systems and/or ventilation systems at their station, they should definitely be used frequently so that the apparatus exhaust does not contaminate the living quarters of their facility.

According to Pratt, the more various forms of cancer are looked at, it is seen that it all comes back to the basics: exercise, diet, and work exposure, which everyone has some control over. Also it is important to have a yearly wellness exam done, even though some departments find it hard to budget in. Dubron says that firefighters can do fundraisers in order to pay for annual wellness exams for each member of their department. "It can be just as important as a piece of equipment," he adds.

"Cancer is overwhelming in some respects, but we treat it as a manageable component of health and being in the fire service," says Dr. Pratt.

Contributors to this story:
Barbara Brooks - Video Reporter
Ann Zevely - Video Editor
Renee Marquart - Text Story


Author:B. Brooks, A. Zevely and R. Marquart - FDNNTV.com