Governor Maura Healey has officially declared January as “Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month” in Massachusetts, a proactive initiative aimed at promoting awareness, prevention, and early detection of cancer among firefighters. This proclamation acknowledges the heightened cancer risks faced by firefighters, who often receive late diagnoses and experience higher mortality rates from the disease.
The initiative emphasizes the critical role that awareness campaigns play in safeguarding firefighters’ health. According to State Fire Marshal Jon Davine, nearly 1,400 firefighters participated in free cancer screenings provided by the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services (DFS) in 2025, marking a record for the DFS Firefighter Cancer Program.
“Whether you’re a call, volunteer, or career firefighter, active duty or retired, these programs are available at no cost to you or your department,” Davine stated. “The worst cancer diagnosis is a late one, so please take advantage of them.”
The data from 2024 to 2025 shows a significant increase in cancer screenings offered through the program. Notable statistics include:
– Skin cancer screenings rose from 612 to 785
– CT scans increased from 99 to 168
– PSA blood tests surged from 44 to 160
– Ultrasounds jumped from 91 to 255
– Mammograms increased from 2 to 9
Davine attributes this surge in screenings to improved awareness, better accessibility, and increased discussions within the fire service about the importance of early detection. “Whatever the reason, it’s a great result, and we want to see those numbers continue climbing,” he emphasized.
New Educational Efforts and Legislative Changes
The Massachusetts Firefighting Academy has also implemented a new cancer awareness presentation, in collaboration with the Firefighter Cancer Support Network. Titled “Doing it Right: Reducing Cancer in the Fire Service,” this updated program aims to educate firefighters on cancer prevention best practices. It has already reached approximately 600 recruits, 50 chiefs and senior officers, as well as around 230 firefighters across various ranks.
The initiative addresses a significant health concern: toxic chemicals known as PFAS, which have been linked to various cancers. These substances linger in the environment long after their use, posing health risks to numerous populations, particularly firefighters who may encounter these carcinogens in their protective gear.
In response, legislation signed by Governor Healey in August 2024 aims to eliminate toxic materials from firefighters’ gear, contributing to the state’s efforts to safeguard their health.
Another vital component of support for firefighters is the Massachusetts Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant Program, which provides funding to replace essential gear. For instance, the Dracut Fire Department utilized a combined $22,296 over two funding cycles last year to replace outdated self-contained breathing apparatus units. This funding is part of a broader $3 million statewide initiative that enables fire departments to improve emergency-response capabilities while adhering to safety standards.
Dracut is among 300 grant recipients statewide announced by the Healey-Driscoll administration. Notable funding recipients include the Chelmsford Fire Department, which received $25,000 in the first funding round, and the city of Lowell, which was awarded $50,000 in the first round and $2,178 in the second.
The grant program, administered by the state Department of Fire Services, reimburses the purchase of 135 types of eligible equipment, including turnout gear and thermal imaging cameras.
“These grants will help firefighters protect themselves from injury and illness, rescue people in danger, and keep our most vulnerable residents safe from fires and other hazards at home,” Healey stated in a press release from the Department of Fire Services.
The concerted efforts to provide increased cancer screening opportunities and equip firefighters with advanced, non-toxic gear reflect a commitment to ensuring the well-being of those who serve as first responders.
