Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has set a focus on firefighter health to start the new year, designating January as Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month. The proclamation underscores the elevated risks faced by firefighters when it comes to cancer and underscores the importance of education and proactive health measures in the firefighting community. The initiative coincides with efforts by organizations such as the Firefighter Cancer Support Network and the International Association of Fire Fighters, who are working globally to combat cancer amongst firefighters. "Raising awareness of cancer risks and promoting best practices in cancer prevention can help protect our firefighters from this insidious disease and enjoy long, healthy, and happy lives," Governor Healey's proclamation reads, as reported by the Massachusetts government.
The Massachusetts Department of Fire Services (DFS) has recorded a substantial increase in participation in their Firefighter Cancer Program, with nearly 1,400 firefighters getting screened in 2025—over double from the previous year. State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine highlighted that firefighters are more susceptible to certain cancers, which the free screenings offered—ranging from skin examinations to mammograms—aim to mitigate. Free of charge to firefighters, these screenings play a critical part in early detection and treatment. "The worst cancer diagnosis is a late one, so please take advantage of them," Davine urged, working to ensure that not only the health, but also the livelihoods of those who keep us safe from flames are shielded, as per a report by the Massachusetts government.
According to the same report, there's been a near doubling of program participants within just one year. For instance, skin cancer screenings, available since 2018, have increased from 612 to 785. There are also notable hikes in other tests like chest CT scans and PSA blood tests, indicating a growing awareness and utilization of the services provided. State Fire Marshal Davine mentioned that the increased participation "may be due to increased familiarity with the screening options, or the steps we took to make them more accessible, or word of mouth in the fire service," and celebrated the upward trend in engagement with the health initiatives.
New developments at the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy include a fresh cancer awareness presentation titled "Doing it Right: Reducing Cancer in the Fire Service." Partnering with the Firefighter Cancer Support Network in 2025, the presentation seeks to educate firefighters on reducing cancer risks on and off duty. It has reached about 600 new recruits, 50 chiefs and senior officers, along with around 230 firefighters of various ranks, according to the academy's reports. An additional 25 firefighters are equipped to bring this life-saving knowledge back to their departments through a train-the-trainer course. For those seeking more information or to participate in the DFS's cancer screening programs, the full details are accessible on the Department of Fire Services' website.
