Training Program - Doing it Right! Reducing Cancer in the Fire Service
The Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN) developed this 3-hour course. Firefighters can take the course at their department or virtually. To sign up for the online program, use the LMS. For an in-person program, please fill out this request form.
The course provides three (3) OEMS credits, two (2) FCC credits, and one (1) FPO credit. All firefighters can participate in this lecture.
Skin Cancer Screening
Volunteer dermatologists provide free skin cancer screenings. Using the SPOT Skin Cancer® program through the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), the Massachusetts Fire Academy schedules screenings across the state. To schedule a screening, please use this request form.
Dr. Christine Kannler talks about Skin Cancer and the Fire Service in this video.
Find a Screening
Search the LMS catalog for SCA-Skin Cancer Screening-Taking Action Against Cancer in the Fire Service. Sign up through the LMS OR use this request form to bring a screening to your firehouse. All firefighters (call/volunteer, career, retired, new to the service, etc.) are eligible. There is no prerequisite.
Lower Cape TV report on skin cancer screening event in Brewster, MA
Oral Cancer Screening
Request a free oral cancer screening with this request form. A dental hygienist can come to fire departments to provide the screening. This program often accompanies skin cancer screening.
Mammograms, Ultrasounds, CT Scans and PSA Tests
Mammograms, ultrasounds, CT scans, and PSA (Prostate Specific Antigens) blood tests are available to eligible firefighters. Firefighters can apply if they meet the criteria in Eligibility Criteria for Certain Screenings, below.
Mammograms: We have several locations across the state including a mobile option.
Ultrasounds: These focus on the thyroid, spleen, gallbladder, kidneys, bladder and testes (male) or pelvic (external-females). We have several locations across the state including a mobile option.
CT scans: Studies show that a low-dose CT screening detects many health issues at early stages. And early treatment can be more effective. If you receive a free scan, you are eligible for a second free scan through the MFA in 3 to 5 years (eligibility requirements apply).
PSA (Prostate Specific Antigens) test: Studies show that firefighters get prostate cancer earlier than the general public. We have several screening locations, including a mobile option.
UPDATED Eligibility Criteria for Mammogram, Ultrasound, CT Scan or PSA Blood Test
For an ultrasound, CT scan, or PSA blood test, you must meet these criteria:
- be a Massachusetts firefighter;
- be at least 40 years old, OR have been a Massachusetts firefighter for at least 10 years;
- provide MFA with the name, telephone number and fax of your current primary care provider (PCP);
- answer questions truthfully;
- electronically sign a waiver.
For a mammogram, you must meet these criteria:
- be a Massachusetts firefighter;
- be at least 35 years old, no matter how many years in the fire service;
- provide MFA with the name, telephone number and fax of your current primary care provider (PCP);
- answer questions truthfully;
- electronically sign a waiver.
After you fill out the questionnaire, and are approved, you make an appointment with our vendor and print a voucher to give to the vendor.
This program runs from fiscal year to fiscal year. It is currently not accepting applications at this time.
For questions, please contact DFS.CancerScreening@mass.gov.
Request a Cancer Program or Skin Cancer Screening
Request any of the cancer programs with this request form.
National Firefighter Registry (NFR) for Cancer
The National Firefighter Registry (NFR) for Cancer is the largest effort ever undertaken to understand and reduce the risk of cancer among U.S. firefighters. By joining the NFR, you can:
- Help protect your brothers and sisters in the fire service from developing cancer
- Help lessen the impact of cancer on firefighters’ families and friends
- Pave the way for new health and safety measures to keep the next generation of firefighters safe
- Improve understanding of cancer risk among minority, female, and volunteer firefighters, as well as groups like wildland firefighters
Any firefighter can join the NFR, not just those with a previous diagnosis of cancer. Having many types of firefighters join the NFR is crucial to examining relationships between firefighter activities and cancer. NIOSH encourages all firefighters to participate.