Of interest … Cancer in the Fire Service

DetecTogether, a non-profit organization focused on early cancer detection and prevention, has launched a national education campaign aimed at firefighters. The initiative is designed to raise awareness about the alarming rates of occupational cancer within the fire service.

According to data from the Firefighter Cancer Support Network, cancer is the leading cause of line-of-duty deaths among firefighters, with the profession carrying a 14% higher risk of cancer-related death compared to the general population. Despite these sobering facts, DetecTogether chose a unique approach by highlighting the hidden talents of firefighters—particularly their musical and dance abilities.

The campaign features Jason Patton, a firefighter and paramedic known for his popular "Fire Department Chronicles" series with nearly 2 million social media followers. He is joined by other FDNY members in a fun and engaging video filmed at the FDNY training academy on Randall’s Island. The videos aim to bring some lightness to an otherwise serious topic, using humor to encourage firefighters to take action against cancer.

"Our jobs are incredibly serious," Patton said. "Lives are on the line every day. But between calls, we like to have some fun. That's exactly what DetecTogether's campaign does—it uses comedy to inspire firefighters to be proactive about their health."

The campaign also introduces the organization's '3 Steps Detect' roadmap for early cancer detection. This simple yet effective process includes:

1. Know Your Great: Understand what 'great' feels like for your personal health.
2. Use the 2-Week Rule: Seek medical attention if subtle health changes persist for two weeks.
3. Share With Your Doctor: Be open about any health changes, even if they feel uncomfortable or embarrassing.

The goal is to empower firefighters with knowledge and tools that can help detect cancer at an earlier, more treatable stage.

In addition to the first video, the second film continues the lighthearted tone by showcasing Patton teasing his colleague, O’Malley, while holding a dummy. The campaign was developed with the help of a Chicago-based ad agency and builds upon DetecTogether’s existing “Response Time Matters” initiative.

Support for the campaign came from several key partners, including EMW-2021-FP-00573, 1A Auto, Last Call Foundation, Powertech Controls, the FDNY, the Firefighter Cancer Support Network, and the Center for Fire, Rescue & EMS Research.

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