January – Firefighter Cancer Awareness & Prevention Month

Firefighter Occupational Cancer –

Leading Cause of Line-of-Duty Deaths in the Fire Service

It’s unfortunate but a fact. Cancer danger within the fire service is growing at a faster and faster rate. Research is ongoing for both preventative measures as well as on the medical side for treatment and cure. Even knowing the dangers though, both seen and unseen, firefighters never hesitate to answer the call to keep others safe.

 The following article and Information are courtesy of the

International Firefighters Association/Firefighter Cancer Support Network

 In 2025, nearly 80% of IAFF members honored at the IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial in September 2025 died of occupational cancer. Of the IAFF member line-of-duty deaths, 247 out of 311 were due to occupational cancer.

In partnership with the IAFF, January is designated as Fire Fighter Cancer Awareness Month to provide fire fighters with the tools and guidance to develop life-saving protocols for cancer prevention and to support those with a cancer diagnosis within their departments.

 Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month is focusing on “Doing It Right.” This includes best practices to reduce cancer in the fire service. Since 2005, FCSN has been a lifeline for thousands of cancer-stricken firefighters, offering one-on-one mentoring, critical support, and hope when it is needed most.