Long-Term Cancer Risks & Prevention Tips for Firefighters

Firefighters experience higher rates of certain types of diagnoses and cancer-related deaths compared to the general U.S. population, according to a multi-year study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). More than 68% of firefighters will develop some form of cancer in their lifetimes.

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. The most frequently diagnosed cancers in firefighters are found in the digestive, respiratory and urinary systems, as well as orally, including the salivary glands and throat. Specific cancers related to carcinogen exposure – such as malignant mesothelioma – are more than twice as prevalent in firefighters as in the general population. The chance of lung cancer and leukemia diagnoses, and cancer-related death increases with the amount of time spent at fires.

This tragic reality underscores the critical need for more Minnesota firefighters to be aware of their higher risks for cancer – and what they can do to help prevent it.

Why are firefighters at such increased risk for developing cancer?

  1. Building and homes contain synthetic and other harmful materials that create more smoke than natural materials – and they release polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), many of which can cause cancer.
  2. Firefighters may also encounter other known carcinogens, like asbestos and diesel exhaust, when on the job.
  3. Carcinogens are both inhaled and absorbed through the skin. Even when wearing the proper gear, carcinogens can still penetrate the gear and expose the skin.

There are some proven ways firefighters, with the support of their departments, can take to reduce the risk:

  1. Change clothes and wash them immediately after exposure to products of combustion or other contaminates. Do this as soon as possible and/or isolate in a trash bag until washing is available.
  2. Shower as soon as possible after being exposed to products of combustion or other contaminates.
  3. PPE, especially turnout pants, must be prohibited in areas outside the apparatus floor (i.e. kitchen, sleeping areas, etc.) and never in the household.
  4. Fully document ALL fire or chemical exposures on incident reports and personal exposure reports.
  5. Get an annual physical, as early detection is the key to survival.

If you’re interested in learning more about how to protect yourself and others in your department, consider registering for MnFIRE’s cancer deep-dive class. In it, we’ll educate 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.

Recent News

Miles for MnFIRE Day 5: Groningen to Pine City
September 17, 2025
Miles for MnFIRE Day 4: Sturgeon Lake to Groningen
September 16, 2025
Miles for MnFIRE Day 3: Mahtowa to Sturgeon Lake
September 15, 2025
Miles for MnFIRE Day 2: Esko to Mahtowa
September 14, 2025
Miles for MnFIRE Day 1: Kickoff in Duluth
September 13, 2025
Suicide can affect anyone
September 9, 2025
Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons

It's day five of Miles for MnFIRE, and there's still time to contribute!

🔴 Thanks to a generous anonymous donor, all Miles for MnFIRE donations up to $10,000 will be matched dollar for dollar before Sept. 21. That means that if you give now, your impact will be doubled!

🔴 Those who donate $200 or more will receive a special Miles for MnFIRE hat – check out Doug and Kyle rocking their hats below!

Your donations are thoroughly appreciated not only by the walkers, but also by firefighters and their families across the state who receive assistance from MnFIRE year-round. Thank you for your support! mnfireinitiative.com/miles-for-mnfire/
... See MoreSee Less

Its day five of Miles for MnFIRE, and theres still time to contribute!

🔴 Thanks to a generous anonymous donor, all Miles for MnFIRE donations up to $10,000 will be matched dollar for dollar before Sept. 21. That means that if you give now, your impact will be doubled!

🔴 Those who donate $200 or more will receive a special Miles for MnFIRE hat – check out Doug and Kyle rocking their hats below!

Your donations are thoroughly appreciated not only by the walkers, but also by firefighters and their families across the state who receive assistance from MnFIRE year-round. Thank you for your support! https://mnfireinitiative.com/miles-for-mnfire/

It was a hot day, but Minnesota firefighters and Miles for MnFIRE walkers Doug Foote and Kyle Bode completed 18 miles on their more than 150-mile trek from Duluth to St. Paul.

Here are a few photos from day four, which included a visit to Finlayson Elementary. The smiles and cheers from these kids were exactly what our walkers needed to lift their spirits!

Wednesday, Sept. 17, is the biggest day of the walk, covering more than 25 miles between Groningen and Pine City. Let's go!

Read more day 4 highlights here: mnfireinitiative.com/miles-for-mnfire-day-4/
... See MoreSee Less

It was a hot day, but Minnesota firefighters and Miles for MnFIRE walkers Doug Foote and Kyle Bode completed 18 miles on their more than 150-mile trek from Duluth to St. Paul. 

Here are a few photos from day four, which included a visit to Finlayson Elementary. The smiles and cheers from these kids were exactly what our walkers needed to lift their spirits! 

Wednesday, Sept. 17, is the biggest day of the walk, covering more than 25 miles between Groningen and Pine City. Lets go! 

Read more day 4 highlights here: https://mnfireinitiative.com/miles-for-mnfire-day-4/Image attachmentImage attachment+1Image attachment
1 day ago

Firefighters Doug Foote and Kyle Bode are walking more than 150 miles from Duluth to St. Paul this week to raise awareness and funds for firefighter health.

Follow along on their journey and support MnFIRE at mnfireinitiative.com/miles-for-mnfire/.
... See MoreSee Less

Firefighters Doug Foote and Kyle Bode are walking more than 150 miles from Duluth to St. Paul this week to raise awareness and funds for firefighter health.

Follow along on their journey and support MnFIRE at https://mnfireinitiative.com/miles-for-mnfire/.

Sunday, Sept. 14 marked day two of Miles for MnFIRE, the more than 150-mile walk from Duluth to St. Paul to raise awareness and funds for firefighter health.

Walkers Doug Foote and Kyle Bode trekked from Esko to Mahtowa, stopping at Carlton Fire and Ambulance and a few other picturesque spots on the Willard Munger Trail. Take a look!

To read more about today's journey, visit our blog here: mnfireinitiative.com/miles-for-mnfire-day-2/

To donate to the cause or learn where you can find us on the trail, click here: mnfireinitiative.com/miles-for-mnfire/
... See MoreSee Less

Sunday, Sept. 14 marked day two of Miles for MnFIRE, the more than 150-mile walk from Duluth to St. Paul to raise awareness and funds for firefighter health. 

Walkers Doug Foote and Kyle Bode trekked from Esko to Mahtowa, stopping at Carlton Fire and Ambulance and a few other picturesque spots on the Willard Munger Trail. Take a look! 

To read more about todays journey, visit our blog here: https://mnfireinitiative.com/miles-for-mnfire-day-2/

To donate to the cause or learn where you can find us on the trail, click here: https://mnfireinitiative.com/miles-for-mnfire/Image attachmentImage attachment+3Image attachment
Load more
Skip to content