No one will question that firefighting is a dangerous endeavor - whether you're career or volunteer. But we have a history of making the job tougher and more dangerous than it naturally is (e.g., not wearing SCBA during overhaul operations or seat belts when we're riding in the big red trucks). Cancer, for the most part, is something we can take great measures to prevent. We can stop being the "tough guy", for starters! Wear your SCBA in toxic and smoky conditions; get regular medical check-ups; and, get an annual cancer screening. Like my good friend Chief Billy Goldfeder says, "it's for the people in your wallet".
If you'd like more information about firefighters and cancer, visit the Firefighter Cancer Support Network. http://www.fcsn.net
