Study of Cancer among United States Fire Fighters
In 2010, NIOSH researchers, with funding assistance from the U.S. Fire Administration
launched a multi-year study to examine whether fire fighters have a higher risk of cancer and other causes of death due to job exposures. Our study was designed to address limitations of previous fire fighter cancer research.
Project background and goals
- Our study includes a significantly larger population. With more than 30,000 career fire fighters who served in Chicago, Philadelphia, and San Francisco Fire Departments between 1950 and 2010, it is the largest study of United States fire fighters ever undertaken. In addition, both non-white and female fire fighters are represented.
- We will look not only at deaths from cancer, but also at the diagnosis of certain kinds of cancer, such as testicular and prostate cancer, which have higher survival rates. We will also examine other causes of death. This will help to better understand the risk for various cancers and illnesses among fire fighters compared to the general public.
- Our study will examine more exposures than previous studies. We will look at the number and type of fire runs made (for example, EMS and vehicle fire) and the use of personal protective equipment and diesel exhaust controls.
Download the protocol 
(31 pages, 315K) for more details about the study.
Study progress
Originally, we hoped to include 18,000 current and retired fire fighters in our study. With excellent cooperation from the three fire departments, we have identified more than 30,000 fire fighters for the study. We have made many trips to each location to collect data. All of the data for our study come from existing records. We have gathered records of detailed work histories of the position(s) each fire fighter held and the length of time he/she spent in that position. We are currently working to determine exposure risks for each fire fighter.
Project timeline
2010
- NIOSH and the United States Fire Administration (USFA) announced the initiation of a study of United States fire fighters.
- Partnership established with the National Cancer Institute.
- Approximately 30,000 fire fighters from Chicago, Philadelphia, and San Francisco were identified for the study.
- Work began to collect records on fire fighters employed between 1950 and 2010.
2011
- List of fire fighters included in the study was completed for San Francisco and Chicago Fire Departments and started for the Philadelphia Fire Department.
- Exposure records collection started.
- Work history data collection completed for all departments.
2012
- Health outcomes will be identified.
2013
- Study analyses are expected be completed.
- Health risk among fire fighters will be determined.
2014
- Results will be communicated to fire fighters, stakeholders, and the public.
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Editor’s Note Only:
It is always hard to report when a person in the EMS field has passed away, especially firefighters from cancer-related illnesses. It is always disheartening to know that they lived out their dream in being a firefighter and training the be the best of the best then to succumb to a terrible illness.
Constantly, we hear of firefighters passing from all kinds of cancers and those who can easily say they are survivors. Wishing I could wave my magic wand so that you all don’t have to deal with cancer would be a nice touch in life, but unfortunately not a reality.
So, what is being done to help firefighters? There has been a study that began in the 1950’s and continuing even as we speak to find ways how firefighters are impacted, what the triggers are and how to prevent it.
The article above states what the Centers for Disease Control are attempting to do to help investigate the causes and create a prevention program.
To those whom have had cancer and are survivors or those who are fighting it as we speak, I admire you for your courage, strength and the amazing work you do for the Fire Service. Never give up! We got your back.
– The NW Fire Blog
(c) 2013
NW Fire Blog 