5 Cancer Screenings to Ask Your Physician About

Did you know? The rate of line-of-duty deaths from cancer-related illness is rapidly increasing and is on pace to overtake cardiac disease as the leading killer of firefighters nationwide. According to the National Fire Protection Association, more than 68 percent of all firefighters will develop some form of cancer in their lifetimes.

This is a sad reality for Minnesota’s firefighters, but thankfully, there are steps you can take to detect cancer in its early stages. One of the most impactful ways to mitigate your risk of cancer is to get an annual physical exam. While getting your exam, tell your provider that you are, or have been, a firefighter.

After you’ve shared that information with them, they will likely give you the following screenings:

  • A comprehensive physical assessment
  • Laboratory testing including blood tests and urinalysis
  • A pulmonary function test
  • Imaging such as chest x-ray (every 5 years) or low dose CT scan
  • Cancer screenings for early detection of prostate, cervical, colorectal, breast and lung cancer.

All of these screenings can truly be life-saving as they can help detect cancer before it escalates. Some fire departments even offer free yearly cancer screenings, so it could be worth checking-in with leadership to see if you could get your screenings at the firehouse.

No matter where you get screened for cancer, the important thing is that you do it! And most importantly, tell your firefighting brothers and sisters to do the same.

To learn more about firefighters’ higher risks for cancer – and what can be done to help prevent it – consider enrolling in our cancer deep-dive class. The two-hour class is free until June 2021 and educates firefighters on activities that put them at higher risk for developing cancer, proper PPE strategies for mitigating cancer risks, and what types of screenings can be done to catch cancer early. Register HERE.

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1 day ago

MnFORE 2025 was a swinging success, and we're still amazed at how all of our golfers, volunteers and sponsors showed up to support Minnesota firefighters.

Enjoy these smile-filled snapshots from the day! 📸⛳
... See MoreSee Less

MnFORE 2025 was a swinging success, and were still amazed at how all of our golfers, volunteers and sponsors showed up to support Minnesota firefighters. 

Enjoy these smile-filled snapshots from the day! 📸⛳Image attachmentImage attachment+Image attachment

The 2025 MnFORE Golf Tournament was full of celebration, camaraderie, and chipping in to support a cause we all care about. Golfers, volunteers and sponsors – your participation makes immeasurable impacts in the lives of our state's firefighters. Thanks for an un-fore-gettable day! 🏌️ ... See MoreSee Less

The 2025 MnFORE Golf Tournament was full of celebration, camaraderie, and chipping in to support a cause we all care about. Golfers, volunteers and sponsors – your participation makes immeasurable impacts in the lives of our states firefighters. Thanks for an un-fore-gettable day! 🏌️Image attachmentImage attachment+7Image attachment

Last but not least, we recognize our MnFORE Premier Hole Sponsors:

Heiman Fire Equipment
Meuser, Yackley & Rowland Law Office
TSR Injury Law
Arko Companies
Optum
Restorations by Highmark
The Parr McKnight Wealth Management Group
PRO Network

Thanks to all of our 2025 sponsors for making MnFORE a fantastic event for all to enjoy, and most of all, for supporting our state's hometown heroes. See you tomorrow! 🏌️
... See MoreSee Less

Last but not least, we recognize our MnFORE Premier Hole Sponsors: 

Heiman Fire Equipment 
Meuser, Yackley & Rowland Law Office 
TSR Injury Law 
Arko Companies 
Optum 
Restorations by Highmark
The Parr McKnight Wealth Management Group 
PRO Network 

Thanks to all of our 2025 sponsors for making MnFORE a fantastic event for all to enjoy, and most of all, for supporting our states hometown heroes. See you tomorrow! 🏌️

Next, we acknowledge our Driving Range & Cart Sponsors, Farmington Firefighters Relief Association and MacQueen Emergency Solutions! MnFORE wouldn't be the same without you, and we are thankful for your dedication to the health and well-being of Minnesota firefighters. ⛳ ... See MoreSee Less

Next, we acknowledge our Driving Range & Cart Sponsors, Farmington Firefighters Relief Association and MacQueen Emergency Solutions! MnFORE wouldnt be the same without you, and we are thankful for your dedication to the health and well-being of Minnesota firefighters. ⛳

Thanks to our Meal Sponsors, Lindstrom Restoration and MESFire, for keeping us fed and nourished at MnFORE! On top of funding the day's food, your year-round commitment to Minnesota firefighters is admired and appreciated. 🧑‍🚒 ... See MoreSee Less

Thanks to our Meal Sponsors, Lindstrom Restoration and MESFire, for keeping us fed and nourished at MnFORE! On top of funding the days food, your year-round commitment to Minnesota firefighters is admired and appreciated. 🧑‍🚒
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