PHOTOS: Charlotte firefighters know the dangers of smoke and flame. But today, one of their most serious threats is not fire, it is cancer. โCancer remains the leading cause of firefighter line-of-duty deaths,โ said Health and Safety Division Chief Jason Perdue. โWe cannot accept that as inevitable. Early detection, cleaner operations, and steady education are making a real difference.โ From 2002 to 2019, cancer accounted for about two-thirds of career firefighter deaths nationwide. Research shows firefighters face higher risks of both diagnosis and mortality than the general population. Among men, prostate cancer stands out as the leading incident cancer, and firefighters are diagnosed at significantly higher rates.
Charlotte Fire has made those statistics personal by using annual NFPA 1582 physicals, increased PSA testing, and prevention protocols to catch disease earlier and limit exposures. โOur physicals cover more screenings than most people ever receive,โ Perdue said. โFinding it early matters.โ Charlotte Fire makes cancer prevention part of daily culture. Crews decontaminate on scene, bag and clean gear at Logistics, and rotate between two full sets of turnout gear. Annual inspections, particulate hoods, and extended air use during overhaul are now standard expectations. Rehab 01 and new fitness, nutrition, and sleep initiatives reinforce overall wellness.
The department formalizes its commitment every January during Cancer Awareness Month. โCancer continues to be the leading cause of line-of-duty deaths in the fire service, and all too frequently strikes our members in retirement,โ Perdue said. Each yearโs bulletin highlights weekly themes. Week One covers presumptive laws and occupational cancer coverage. Week Two turns to reproductive cancers. Week Three focuses on behavioral health for firefighters who have been diagnosed. Week Four closes with survivorship, personal responsibility, and cultural change. โThese conversations are not easy,โ Perdue said, โbut they are necessary. They remind every firefighter that cancer prevention is not just a policy, it is a cultural responsibility.โ
