Firefighters Face Higher Risk of Cancer, Study Finds

Strategic Insights -

A new study by the American Cancer Society has found that firefighters are at a higher risk of developing certain types of cancer, including skin, kidney, and lung cancer, compared to men working in other occupations. The study, which tracked nearly 470,000 participants over 36 years, found that firefighters were more likely to die from skin cancer, with a 72% higher risk, and kidney cancer, with a 39% higher risk. The researchers also noted that taking better precautions from sun exposure and using proper protective gear could help protect firefighters from skin cancer. The study's findings support the growing body of research linking firefighting to cancer risk and highlight the importance of ongoing efforts to safeguard the health of firefighters.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that firefighters have a 72% higher risk of developing skin cancer and a 39% higher risk of developing kidney cancer compared to men working in other occupations.
  • The study tracked nearly 470,000 participants over 36 years and found that firefighters were more likely to die from cancer of the lung (8% higher odds), prostate (14%), and colon (15%).
  • The higher risk for fatal skin cancers may be due to firefighters being outside without proper sun protection.
  • The slightly higher risk for lung cancer only arose among firefighters who had been on the job for 30 or more years.
  • A prior study from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) found evidence that firefighting raises the odds for mesothelioma and bladder cancer, but was inconclusive as to other tumor types.

Statistics:

  • 72%: Higher risk of skin cancer among firefighters
  • 39%: Higher risk of kidney cancer among firefighters
  • 8%: Higher odds of lung cancer among firefighters
  • 14%: Higher risk of prostate cancer among firefighters
  • 15%: Higher risk of colon cancer among firefighters
  • 36 years: Duration of the study
  • 470,000: Number of participants in the study
  • 1982: Year the study began
  • July 29, 2025: Date the study was published in the International Journal of Epidemiology

Sources:

  • American Cancer Society, news release, July 28, 2025
  • International Journal of Epidemiology, July 29, 2025