Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month: A Guide for Firefighter Safety

What is Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month?

Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month, observed each January, highlights the increased cancer risks firefighters face due to repeated exposure to toxic smoke, chemicals, and hazardous materials on the job. Led by the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), the initiative focuses on fire safety education, cancer and fire prevention strategies, and resources that help firefighters reduce exposure and prioritize long-term health. It also encourages broader public awareness, early detection, and stronger support systems for firefighters and their families affected by occupational cancer.

Importance

Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month is important because firefighters face a significantly higher risk of cancer due to repeated exposure to toxic smoke, chemicals, and hazardous environments while doing their jobs. Raising awareness helps promote prevention measures, early detection, and better health protections that can save lives within the fire service. It also connects occupational health to broader fire safety efforts by encouraging safer practices, improved equipment, and long-term support for those who protect their communities.

Why Firefighters Have a Higher Cancer Risk

The key reason for the monthly observance of firefighter cancer is because firefighters have a higher occupational risk of cancer.  It’s important for departments to understand the cause of these risks and the types of cancer firefighters are at risk for to be able to better prepare and protect firefighters on the ground.

Common exposures and carcinogens on the fireground

Firefighters are repeatedly exposed to complex mixtures of hazardous substances during fires, including smoke, particulate matter, and toxic gases that contain known carcinogens such as benzene, formaldehyde, asbestos, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. According to various studies and reviews, these varied exposures are often high and intermittent, making the fireground a uniquely risky environment for long-term health effects like cancer. Over time, chronic exposure to these carcinogenic agents can contribute to cellular changes linked to cancer development

Most common cancers among firefighters

Research has found that firefighters face increased risks for several specific cancers compared to other workers in other industries. In particular, compared to the general population, firefighters are more likley to experience bladder cancer, brain and central nervous system cancers, colorectal cancer, skin melanoma, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer due to the risks they face everyday. Other cancers with elevated but less consistent associations included leukemia, multiple myeloma, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and pancreatic cancer, suggesting a broad range of potential occupational cancer risks. These findings highlight the importance of targeted health monitoring and early detection efforts within the fire service.

Evidence and key statistics

Firefighters have statistically significant increased risks of both cancer incidence and mortality for several cancer types, underscoring a clear occupational association with cancer. For example, elevated risk estimates were observed for brain and central nervous system cancer as well as non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and colorectal cancer, while other cancers like prostate and testicular cancer also showed significant associations in pooled analyses. These aggregated results support the conclusion that firefighting is linked to higher cancer risks across multiple tumor types, although limitations in individual studies mean definitive causation for all cancers remains complex.

Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month Weekly Themes

The IATTF has prepared themes for every week of Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month to provide more structure for the observance. Below are the weekly themes for 2026 that departments and organizations consider for their celebration of the month:

Cancer risks and exposure

This theme focuses on educating firefighters about the carcinogens they encounter on the fireground, including toxic smoke, soot, and contaminated gear. Understanding how exposure occurs during suppression, overhaul, and even at the station helps reinforce safer operational practices. Awareness encourages consistent use of protective equipment, decontamination procedures, and exposure reduction strategies.

Screening and early detection

Early detection plays a critical role in improving cancer outcomes for firefighters. This theme emphasizes regular medical screenings, awareness of cancer warning signs, and access to firefighter-specific health programs. Encouraging proactive health monitoring can lead to earlier diagnoses and more effective treatment.

Lifestyle and wellness

Lifestyle and wellness highlight how nutrition, physical fitness, sleep, and stress management can influence cancer risk and overall health. Firefighters are encouraged to adopt healthy habits that support immune function and long-term resilience. Small, consistent changes can significantly improve quality of life and reduce compounding health risks.

Behavioral Health

Behavioral health addresses the mental and emotional challenges firefighters face, especially when dealing with cancer risk, diagnosis, or recovery. This theme promotes open conversations, peer support, and access to mental health resources. Supporting behavioral health is essential for maintaining both personal well-being and professional readiness.

Prevention Practices for Firefighters and Departments

With the higher cancer risk that firefighters face on the job, it’s important to put prevention practices in place to protect them. While these won’t eliminate the risk, these practices provide significant protection for firefighters who put themselves at risk to protect communities.

Use the correct safety equipment

Proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and respiratory protection is essential for limiting firefighters’ exposure to carcinogens on the fireground. Wearing Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) from the initial attack through the overhaul helps prevent inhalation of toxic gases and particulates. Keeping turnout gear clean and well-maintained further reduces the risk of contaminants being absorbed through the skin.

Observe on‑scene, post‑incident, and station hygiene

Good hygiene practices help stop carcinogens from spreading beyond the fireground. Gross decontamination on scene, followed by thorough cleaning after incidents, reduces ongoing exposure to harmful residues. Maintaining clean living and working spaces at the station protects firefighters during rest, meals, and recovery.

Implement clean cab and decontamination policies

Clean cab policies limit the transport of contaminated gear and equipment inside fire apparatus. Storing gear externally and using dedicated decontamination procedures helps prevent exposure during routine travel and at the station. Together with clear decontamination policies, these help ensure consistent practices that support long-term firefighter health and safety.

Key Components of an Effective Firefighter Cancer Awareness Campaign

As Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month approaches, it’s best for departments to prepare a campaign to help spread awareness to the cause. Here are a few steps that teams should follow in preparation for the observance:

Goals, messaging, and weekly calendar

An effective campaign and fire safety plan starts with clear goals, such as increasing awareness, encouraging screenings, or improving exposure-reduction practices. Consistent messaging helps reinforce key themes while keeping firefighters and the public engaged. A weekly calendar with scheduled notifications provides structure, ensuring each focus area is addressed without overwhelming participants.

Events, training days, and social media

In-person events, mobile training modules, and training days create opportunities for hands-on learning and open discussion about cancer prevention and health. Social media extends the reach of the campaign and training efforts by promoting educational content, personal stories, and reminders throughout the month. Combining both approaches helps keep the observance visible and accessible.

Measurement and reporting

Measuring participation, engagement, and outcomes helps determine whether campaign goals were met. Tracking metrics such as attendance, screening sign-ups, or online engagement with digital solutionsa nd forms provides valuable insights for improvement. Clear reporting also supports accountability and helps justify future awareness and prevention efforts.