Changing Firehouse Culture to Prevent Cancer

Contributed by Nicholas E. Blonien, D.O.

Cancer remains a leading cause of firefighter mortality. Despite marvelous advances in diagnostic technologies and therapeutics, healthy lifestyle choices are still a powerful prevention strategy, especially for those in the higher-risk firefighting field.

Earlier in 2023, leaders in firefighter research published a review of current evidence supporting the effectiveness of lifestyle interventions in preventing cancer in the fire service. Here are the main lifestyle interventions they recommend:

1. Target obesity

Obesity increases risk of many cancers by as much as 30-80%, including some that already impact the fire service disproportionately. By decreasing body fat percentage, we can decrease risk of cancer. This starts with nutrition and exercise.

2. Get moving

With increasing rank within the fire department comes increased risk of sedentary behavior, especially when the job calls for more time at a desk behind a computer. By intentionally replacing inactivity with movement, such as “exercise snacks,” cancer risk can go down.

3. Prioritize sleep

Getting a good night’s sleep during a busy shift is impossible, but the negative health effects of this can be limited by optimizing sleep when it’s available, both at the fire station and at home. Establishing a bedtime routine, eating during times when your body is prepared for it, limiting nightly snacking and managing stress will make a huge difference.

4. Minimize alcohol

While there continues to be debate about the harmful effects of alcohol on the cardiovascular system, evidence for alcohol consumption as a risk factor for cancer development is much clearer. And rates of alcohol consumption and binge drinking are high among firefighters. Less is better, none is ideal.

5. Dial in the diet

Firefighters tend to follow a standard Western diet, consisting of processed foods and comfort food snacking. This type of eating has been clearly associated with increased cancer risk. Alternatively, a nutrition plan resembling the Mediterranean diet has been associated with decreased cancer risk. Sticking to mostly plants, healthy oils, nuts/seeds, fish and minimal meat/dairy is the best fuel plan for tactical athletes like firefighters.

A cultural shift is needed to tackle these issues, and a unified firehouse can be powerful. Talk with family and friends, engage leadership, partner with colleagues and ask healthcare providers questions. Little improvements can make a difference and add up to bigger change.

Protect your department from cancer

Learn more about shifting the culture in MnFIRE’s cancer deep-dive training. In this class, firefighters learn the 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. Sign up your department for a FREE training here.

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Our Miles for MnFIRE walkers have completed 94 miles of the 150-mile trek from Duluth to St. Paul -- and they are still smiling!

Here's an on-the-road update from Minnesota firefighters Doug Foote and Kyle Bode as they reflect on crossing the halfway point, a major milestone on day five of their nine-day journey.

Read the full recap on our blog: mnfireinitiative.com/miles-for-mnfire-day-5/
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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/.
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