Every day, firefighters put their lives on the line to protect the communities they serve. They are continuously exposed to various toxins and carcinogens and, as a result of this exposure, firefighters have significantly increased cancer incidence and mortality rates. Cancer has become an epidemic in the fire service.
To help protect the 169 members of Tempe Fire Medical Rescue, Tempe has launched a cancer-screening program. The program aims to catch cancer in its infancy, when survivability is increased, cost is decreased and potential detriment is mitigated much sooner. It is a way for the city to be proactive and ensures that those taking care of the community are healthy.
All firefighters will receive an initial cancer screening, a dermatological screening and a full-body exam.