Firefighters at high risk for cancer, Warren Co. fire coordinator shares input

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Firefighter put their lives on the line every single day. However, that comes with an increase of health risks.

Those in the line of duty have a high chance of being diagnosed with cancer. According to the Firefighter Cancer Support Network, Sixty-eight percent of firefighters develop cancer. This is compared to the 22% of the general population.

Skin cancer, prostate cancer and brain cancer are some of forms that firefighters are at risk for. In recent years, tongue cancer has become more common, too.

Personnel are taking extra precautions to ensure safety.

Experts recommend firefighters clean equipment, shower as soon as possible and store gear properly after every fire call.

A new era of firefighters have emerged. Some believe that personnel prioritizing education and the acknowledgment of risks.

Bill Rector, fire coordinator of Warren County, says that “we can no longer push aside” these cancer risks. He believes that firefighters are “the most important asset.” Rector ends with this: “if we don’t take care of our people, we have no business in being in this job.”

Increased risks have opened the conversation here locally. Warren County Fire is working closely with the Firefighter and Cancer Support Network and the South Central Kentucky Firefighters Association to ensure greater resources.