Why the Biggest Killer of Firefighters Isn't Fire
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You know, I’m about to publish the second edition of my book Revealing Grace. Cancer isn’t just something that I went through, it’s something that my husband, firefighter Michel Conn, works with every day. Together we are raising awareness for firefighter cancer support.
It’s Cancer
When people learn I'm married to a firefighter, they always worry about the obvious dangers, dangerous street medical calls, high-rise fire emergencies, wild land fires, etc.
However, the statistics tell a different story:
A story that every fire family needs to know.
The harsh reality is that almost two-thirds of the firefighters battling fires today will be battling cancer tomorrow.
(sometimes a photo is worth a thousand words)
Numerous studies indicate that cancer prevalence in firefighters is higher than that of the general population.
Overall, firefighters have 9% higher risk of cancer diagnosis and a14% higher risk of dying from cancer. There are many inaccurate, inflated statistics cited but those I have cited here are accurate.
Dr. Grace LeMasters analyzed 32 firefighter cancer studies to give us a clear picture of our increased risks.
The 2013 NIOSH study analyzed firefighter cancer in Philadelphia, Chicago, and
San Francisco; it reinforced and added to the LeMasters metadata study.
WHY? I mean…
HOW?
As demonstrated in the video with the side-by-side living rooms, the smoke-engulfed burning synthetic room is filled with toxic free radical hydro-carbons, which form into carcinogenic substances that eventually get absorbed through the skin of the firefighter.
Ok, I know I had to look most of these words up on dictionary.com just to understand; however, it’s safe to say that what is in our homes and in our environment has changed over the years.
Unbuckled turnout?
No breathing apparatus?
Ummm, No.
Saving kids?
Yes.
“Well, I don’t understand, doesn’t a Firefighter wear protective clothing - turnouts and a breathing apparatus?”
“Yes. However, there is a break in the ensemble where the toxins can still seep in.”
Now, because you know me by now, you know that I just don’t leave you with a problem without offering you a way to problem-solve it.
So pay attention. Here’s the good news.
Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN) was developed on a “Badge to Badge” support network system. Firefighters helping firefighters.
Since 2005, (ironically, the same year I received my own cancer diagnosis), the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN) was founded. They offer firefighter cancer awareness, education, and prevention training nationwide.
FCSN provides critical assistance and one-on-one support for thousands of firefighters and their families facing an overwhelming diagnosis. Founded with passion by Los Angeles County Firefighter/Paramedic Michael Dubron, a survivor of stage IV colon cancer, FCSN’s impact and reach has grown substantially since its inception.
Michael is the Utah State Director for FCSN. He volunteers many, many hours to help educate and train other volunteers, firefighters in both of his unions as well as his own station. He tells me that the “Healthy Worker Effect” helps. This is the factor which takes into consideration that a firefighter is typically in better shape that the average person; otherwise, the statistics of a cancer diagnosis could potentially be higher.
Michael is the handsome one (2nd from the right)
Please: Share this post with first responder families you know.
