The planned event has been canceled and will be rescheduled.
The Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH) and the Erie County Cancer Services Program (CSP) are extending cancer screening education to firefighters. Research has generally shown an increased risk for firefighters in several types of cancer, in part due to occupational exposures. Fortunately, there are screening tests for some of those cancers that can detect early health changes before they cause symptoms.
“We initially considered reaching out to the firefighting community for March, which is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month,” explained Michelle Wysocki, CSP Program Manager. “But as we looked more at what research has shown about overall cancer risks for this group, we expanded our approach to include other cancers.”
“Firefighters understand the value of preventing fires and detecting and defeating them early, before they can cause significant damage,” said Commissioner of Health Dr. Gale Burstein. “Cancers can act like a fire in the body, and we want to give these first responders knowledge and access to screening tools that can detect certain cancers in their early stages, when there are more treatment options and the potential for better outcomes.”
With this in mind, ECDOH is coordinating an event for all Erie County fire companies. CSP staff will present information and insights on colorectal cancer screening options, and provide FIT kits (home test kits) for those eligible. Educators will explain screening procedures for esophageal and lung cancers, and how fire fighters can access those services.
“Any situation that a firefighter encounters puts them at risk for exposure to harmful chemicals and toxic materials,” offered Commissioner of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Daniel Neaverth, Jr. “They battle blazes to keep our community safe and I want to encourage the leadership of our volunteer firefighting family to participate in this event and support your brothers and sisters in making this part of your health a priority.”