Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has officially declared January as “Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month.” This month-long initiative aims to promote awareness, prevention, and early detection of cancer among firefighters, a group statistically at higher risk for developing the disease. The proclamation acknowledges the specific health challenges faced by firefighters, including earlier onset of cancer, late diagnoses, and increased mortality rates.
The initiative is backed by strong data. Jon Davine, State Fire Marshal, reported that nearly 1,400 firefighters accessed free cancer screenings through the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services in 2025, marking a record for the Firefighter Cancer Program. Davine emphasized the importance of these screenings, stating, “Whether you’re a call, volunteer or career firefighter, active duty or retired, these programs are available at no cost to you or your department. The worst cancer diagnosis is a late one, so please take advantage of them.”
From 2024 to 2025, there was a notable rise in cancer screenings. Specific increases included:
– Skin cancer screenings rose from 612 to 785.
– CT scans increased from 99 to 168.
– PSA blood tests surged from 44 to 160.
– Ultrasounds jumped from 91 to 255.
– Mammograms climbed from two to nine.
Davine attributed this surge to heightened awareness of screening options, improved accessibility, and ongoing discussions within the fire service about the critical need for early detection. “Whatever the reason, it’s a great result, and we want to see those numbers continue climbing,” he said, encouraging firefighters to take proactive steps for their health.
In addition to awareness campaigns, the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy has launched a new cancer awareness presentation in collaboration with the Firefighter Cancer Support Network. The program, titled “Doing it Right: Reducing Cancer in the Fire Service,” is designed to educate firefighters on best practices for cancer prevention. Approximately 600 recruits, 50 chiefs and senior officers, and around 230 firefighters across various ranks have already participated.
A significant focus of the initiative is the hazardous chemical known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), which has been linked to various cancers. These substances linger in the environment long after their initial use and are found in many everyday products, posing health risks to the general public. Firefighters are particularly vulnerable as PFAS has been detected in their protective gear.
In August 2024, legislation aimed at removing these toxic materials from firefighters’ gear was signed to enhance their safety. This legislative measure, alongside awareness campaigns, forms part of the broader strategy to ensure that firefighters have the resources they need.
The Massachusetts Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant Program is another critical initiative that provides funding for essential gear. The Dracut Fire Department received a total of $22,296 over two funding cycles last year to replace aging self-contained breathing apparatus units. This funding is part of a larger $3 million statewide initiative aimed at enhancing emergency response capabilities and maintaining compliance with safety standards.
The Dracut Fire Department utilized $17,554 to upgrade SCBAs and secure water and ice rescue equipment. Their latest funding cycle yielded an additional $4,742, allowing further improvements to outdated SCBA units. Dracut was among 300 grant recipients statewide announced by the Healey-Driscoll administration, which included financial awards for various other departments.
For example, the Chelmsford Fire Department received $25,000 in the first funding round, along with $12,150 in the second round. Other notable recipients included Billerica with $18,112.81 and Groton with $18,935. The city of Lowell emerged as a significant beneficiary, receiving $50,000 in the first funding round and $2,178 in the second, with funding amounts determined by the population served.
The grant program, administered by the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, provides reimbursement for the purchase of 135 types of eligible equipment, including turnout gear, ballistic protective equipment, and thermal imaging cameras. These resources help fire departments comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) safety standards.
In a press release, Governor Healey stated, “These grants will help firefighters protect themselves from injury and illness, rescue people in danger, and keep our most vulnerable residents safe from fires and other hazards at home.”
The initiatives to enhance cancer screening opportunities and provide firefighters with modern gear free of cancer-causing agents represent crucial steps in safeguarding the health and well-being of those who serve on the front lines.
