The Oklahoma House of Representatives on Monday approved legislation that would offer free cancer screenings to all Oklahoma firefighters.
House Bill 3573, authored by Rep. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton, would cover screenings for lung, prostate, testicular, skin, colon and breast cancers for all firefighters, including volunteer firefighters.
“We owe a debt of gratitude to these firefighters who risked their lives to serve their communities,” Pae said. “The very nature of the job comes with risks, and while we may not be able to protect our firefighters while they’re in a blaze, we can help ensure free early detection of cancer after their exposure to carcinogenic materials in the line of duty.”
Cancer is the number one cause of death for active-duty firefighters.