Firefighter Skin Screening Program
DID YOU KNOW?
Cancer is the most dangerous threat to firefighter health and safety.
Structural and vehicle fires involve different types of exposures and hazards. Exposure and risk levels depend on building materials, materials stored within, and fire conditions, such as temperature and oxygen availability. The phase of a fire can also influence exposure level. The knockdown phase typically has higher exposure to heated gas, vapors, and particulate matter compared to overhaul. Respiratory protection is more likely to be worn during knockdown than during the overhaul phase, even though lower-level exposures may still exist during this phase.
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Cancer caused 66% of career firefighter line-of-duty deaths from 2002 to 2019, according to data from the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF).
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Cancer caused 70% of the line-of-duty deaths for career firefighters in 2016.
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Firefighters have a 9% higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer and a 14% higher risk of dying from cancer than the general U.S. population, according to research by the CDC/National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH)
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The Cancers mostly responsible for this higher risk were respiratory (lung, mesothelioma), GI (oral cavity, esophageal, large intestine), and kidney. (NIOSH)
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A study, published in JAMA Dermatology, found that 0.7% of the firefighters surveyed had been diagnosed with melanoma and 3.5% had a history of nonmelanoma skin cancers.
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The American Cancer Society’s estimates for melanoma in the United States for 2023 are:
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About 97,610 new melanomas will be diagnosed (about 58,120 in men and 39,490 in women). About 7,990 people are expected to die of melanoma (about 5,420 men and 2,570 women)
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Firefighters have a 21% greater risk of melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer. (Jalilian et al., 2019)
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Firefighters have a 62% greater risk of melanoma between ages 30-49 compared to the general population of the same age (Pukkala et al., 2014)
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The 9/11 World Trade Center 14-year follow-up study showed firefighters had higher rates of melanoma compared to the general population. (Li et al., 2021), (Boffetta et al., 2021)
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Firefighting is classified as a known human carcinogen — meaning firefighters have a higher risk of cancer due to their occupation — according to top researchers from across the world who have worked with the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). They further listed melanoma as a cancer of concern for firefighters due to the higher rates in firefighters than in the general population. (Demers et al., 2022)
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Firefighters are exposed to carcinogens (cancer-causing substances) in the line of duty, especially when fighting fires. Some of the carcinogens they may encounter include asbestos, benzene, formaldehyde, PAHs, and PFAS. These carcinogens can be inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin. (“Systemic Exposure to PAHs and Benzene in Firefighters Suppressing Controlled Structure Fires,” 2014) (Mazumder et al., 2023)
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Join us in giving back to the firefighter community!
We anticipate screening over 200 firefighters over our 2 day event. That means we need YOU there!
PHYSICIANS/FELLOWS/RESIDENTS | Volunteer your time by performing the exams. Remember, the exam also presents the opportunity to educate. It is helpful to thoroughly explain your findings, explain warning signs, and answer their questions. The firefighter leaves your care with a copy of your exam form with your findings as well as a written recommendation for follow up with their dermatologist if needed.
Medical Assistants and Students | Volunteer your time by assisting the physicians performing the exams, taking the firefighters into their exam room, assisting with the pre-exam documentation, or by staffing our information desk to answer any questions and provide educational materials.
The PAD follows the standards provided by the American Academy of Dermatology Firefighter Skin Cancer Checks.
Click below to be added to our volunteer mailing list!
You will be the first to know of any updates for this and any future volunteer opportunities.
2026 Screening Event: TBA
BRING US TO YOUR COMMUNITY!
We would love to bring this program all over the Commonwealth!
Please reach out to PAD staff at info@padermatology.org with any questions or inquiries. We are happy to provide you with more information and schedule an event with you.
FAQs
Q: How much will this cost?
A: We do not charge any fees for volunteer services!
Q: What do you need from us?
A: If possible, access to tables, chairs, and electricity is appreciated. We provide the volunteer staff, privacy tents (pictured below) to perform the exams in, disposable gowns and other exam supplies, educational materials, sunscreen, and other body care samples to take home. In the past, our hosts have provided us with a large indoor space to set up our privacy tents. With weather permitting, we can absolutely do all of this outside. We do need at least one member of your team on site with us to assist with logistics.
Q: Do our firefighters need to make an appointment?
A: We do prefer the firefighters "make an appointment" by signing up for certain time slots. This is so our team is prepared to provide a quality exam and so those in the "waiting room" are not waiting for too long if we get a large wave of people all at once. We know how busy you are! Our staff can set up the sign up sheet and will send your team the link to share it with your firefighters, or your team can handle the scheduling if you prefer.
