In a data-rich presentation at the CleanPSB Symposium, Dr. Brittany Hollerbach, Associate Scientist and Deputy Director at the Center for Fire, Rescue & EMS Health Research (NDRI-USA), emphasized the urgent need to address cancer risks within the fire service by outlining the mission and importance of the National Firefighter Cancer Registry (NFCR), a federally backed initiative aimed at better understanding the link between firefighting and cancer.
According to Dr. Hollerbach, firefighters face a 9% higher rate of cancer diagnoses and a 14% higher cancer-related mortality rate than the general population. These elevated risks stem from repeated exposure to carcinogens such as diesel exhaust, UV radiation, and harmful chemicals embedded in synthetic materials. The Registry—which was recently reactivated after budget-related setbacks—aims to enroll over 200,000 participants but currently stands at only 24,000.
Participation in the registry is vital for tracking occupational exposures and building long-term data that can inform policy, prevention, and treatment. Dr. Hollerbach encouraged departments to promote enrollment and take proactive steps to reduce exposure, such as adopting wet decontamination methods and implementing consistent gear hygiene, as research shows these practices can reduce surface contaminants by up to 85%.
Beyond data collection, the lecture spotlighted actionable strategies for departments, including educating crews on early cancer detection, implementing routine decontamination practices, and leveraging support from resources like the Firefighter Cancer Support Network and Detect Together. Dr. Hollerbach also noted the role of shift work as a probable carcinogen and emphasized the importance of research-based health policies in the fire service.
She stressed the need for a cultural shift in how we talk about and tackle cancer in the firehouse because it is not just about performance on the fireground—it is about protecting lives long after the fire is out.
For fire departments committed to health and safety, her message was clear: the time to act is now.
