October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and fire fighters are doing everything they can to raise awareness about this deadly disease, prevent it and advance research toward a cure. Throughout the month, fire fighters are wearing pink T-shirts on duty or in the community, as well as sell shirts to raise money for the American Cancer Society and other cancer organizations for research and awareness.
Breast cancer is among the leading causes of death, with one in eight women diagnosed each year in the U.S. and Canada, and an estimated 316,450 new cases expected by the end of 2022.
Fire fighters know all too well the trauma and the challenge of a cancer diagnosis. Fire fighters are at increased risk for numerous cancers. Studies show cancer can be directly linked to carcinogens and other chemicals found in smoke and other materials regularly present at fire scenes. While more study must be conducted, female fire fighters also face the risk of occupational diseases like breast cancer.
The IAFF and its more than 331,000 members are committed to fighting against occupational cancers in the fire service and dedicated to joining the global fight to prevent and cure breast cancer.
