Federal funding helps 30 Wareham firefighters be screened for cancer
WAREHAM, Mass. (WLNE) — 30 members of the Wareham Fire Department participated in a cancer screening and diagnostic testing process at the Rosebrook Event Center on Monday and Tuesday.
According to the Wareham Fire Department, the 2022 Fiscal Year Assistance to Firefighters grant through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provided funding for the procedure.
Firefighters received screening tests for a multitude of common heath care issues commonly associated with fire services, those include:
- Echocardiogram
- Carotid Doppler
- Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)
- Thyroid
- Liver
- Spleen
- Kidney
- Bladder Ultrasound
- Pelvic
- Testicular
Screenings and diagnostic tests play a vital role in the early detection of cancer and other diseases often contracted by professionals in fire services.
According to national statistics, between 2002 and 2019, cancer caused 66% of the professional firefighter line-of-duty deaths. Firefighter are at a far greater risk of developing cancer and other diseases because of exposure to toxic gasses, chemicals and smoke.
Screenings like the ones provided to Wareham firefighters are exceptionally important as they allow for prompt treatment which can improve chances of successful recovery and reduce the need for invasive interventions later on.
In addition, the Wareham Fire Department has made many steps to protect its firefighters including cleaning protective grear after exposure to carcinogens and the addition of exhaust removal equipment for all firefighting tools and uniforms.
““I have seen far too many retired and past firefighters being diagnosed with cancer. Firefighting is dangerous, but keeping our people as safe as possible is of paramount importance to me,” said Wareham Fire Chief John Kelly.
The screenings were done by United Diagnostic Services LLC.
