New Research Effort to Investigate Cancer Risk in California Firefighters

Strategic Insights -

A major new research project, led by UCLA and UC Davis, in collaboration with CAL FIRE, will investigate how occupational exposures among California firefighters may increase cancer risk. The project, a sub-study of the California Firefighter Cancer Research Study (CAFF-CRS), is backed by nearly $9.7 million in funding from CAL FIRE and will include 3,500 firefighters from departments across the state over a two-year period. The study comes as the Trump administration continues to cut critical cancer research. The research team, guided by a firefighter advisory board, will analyze how exposures on the fireground, especially during significant events, may drive changes in the body that contribute to cancer risk over time.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study, a sub-study of the California Firefighter Cancer Research Study (CAFF-CRS), is backed by nearly $9.7 million in funding from CAL FIRE.
  • The study will include 3,500 firefighters from departments across the state over a two-year period.
  • The research team, led by UCLA and UC Davis, in collaboration with CAL FIRE, will analyze how exposures on the fireground, especially during significant events, may drive changes in the body that contribute to cancer risk over time.
  • The study will focus on comparing exposures and biological changes in firefighters who responded to the Eaton and Palisades fires in Los Angeles with those who did not.
  • A firefighter advisory board will guide the research team to ensure the study remains grounded in real-world needs and priorities.
  • The research aims to pave the way for new prevention and intervention strategies for firefighters nationwide.
  • The study is part of a broader, multi-agency effort to protect the health of those who protect our communities.

Statistics:

  • $9.7 million: the amount of funding from CAL FIRE for the research effort.
  • 3,500: number of firefighters participating in the study over a two-year period.
  • Two years: the duration of the study.
  • 15%: the portion of firefighters who respond to fires who are at higher risk of cancer.

Sources:

  • The office of the Governor of California.
  • CAL FIRE.
  • University of California Office of the President.
  • UCLA and UC Davis.
  • UC President James B. Milliken.
  • CAL FIRE Director and Fire Chief Joe Tyler.
  • California Firefighter Cancer Research Study (CAFF-CRS).