Early Detection

    When caught early, most cancers are treatable. 

    Cancer is the leading cause of death in the fire service. According to the International Journal of Cancer (IJC), the association between the firefighting occupation and cancer incidence and mortality is undeniable. The IJC found in firefighters an increased incidence rate for colon (14%), rectal (9%), prostate (15%), testicular (34%), bladder (12%) and thyroid (22%) cancers as well as mesothelioma (60%) and malignant melanoma (21%). The IJC concludes that attention toward early detection is critical to manage exposure.

    To aid in this, we’ve partnered* with early cancer detection organizations to help firefighters in Colorado beat cancer by providing access to information or grants to their programs. The programs we currently partner with include: 

    In addition to our early detection screening partners, these educational resources for best practices can aid fire departments and firefighters in reducing cancer risk:

    *Our partnerships do not reflect an all inclusive list of early detection screening options on the market. Our list is intended to help inform and provide options, and we encourage you to conduct your own research when selecting your early detection screening option.

    EPISEEK

    Precision Epigenomic's EPISEEK testing is available for all firefighters, especially those with an elevated risk of cancer or individuals aged 45 or older.

    View additional information about this test on EPISEEK's informational onesheet.

    Cancerguard

    Cancerguard testing is available to members at $649 per firefighter, or $599 per firefighter if an agency can provide blood draw and healthcare provider to order Cancerguard test and communicate results and next steps to firefighter (patient).

    For more information, or to set up testing, please email Katie Papo at kpapo@exactsciences.com. 

    DetecTogether

    DetecTogether is a non-profit education and advocacy organization founded to address an unmet need in the cancer world. They provide:

    1. Early Cancer Detection Training: Developed with the help of DetecTogether’s Fire Service Advisory Board whose expertise and experience span research, firefighting, and cancer fighting, this free, live-saving program can be accessed on computers and mobile devices anytime, anywhere.
    2. 3 Steps Detect: This free, easy, and life-saving program was created to educate people about the signs and symptoms of cancer, motivate them to pay attention to health changes, empower them to seek timely care, and encourage them to collaborate with their physicians. 
    3. Digital Resources: To assist in promoting early cancer detection education to staff, DetecTogether provides resources such as training posters and informational flyers. 

    For general inquiries about DetecTogether, please reach out to ffonline@detectogether.org. To request an admin dashboard, please email ffadmin@detectogether.org. 

    Lavender Ribbon Reports and Resources

    Developed by the National Volunteer Fire Council, this page has awareness posters for each best practice that are free for download.

    CAPE

    Cancer, Awareness, Prevention, & Education for Volunteer Firefighters (CAPE) provides proactive measures firefighters can take to help reduce cancer risk. 

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