Occupational cancer is now the leading cause of death among firefighters, surpassing heart disease. January is “Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month.” The International Association of Fire Fighters and the Fire Fighters Cancer Support Network are teaming up to reduce the impact of cancer on firefighters with education and prevention resources for departments across the nation and here in North Carolina.
“It starts with education, and so the education that the International Association of Firefighters is providing for us is very important and very valuable,” said Asheville Fire Chief Scott Burnette.
Asheville firefighters are also focused on preventing, tracking, and detecting cancers impacting firefighters. According to Chief Burnette, the department is working to better track exposures by providing diaries for firefighters, helping them track exposures over their careers.