Retired Assistant Chief Christopher Major, Somerville Fire Department
In August of 2023, in preparation for my retirement after almost 30 years in the fire service, I saw
my regular doctor. The doctor noticed some spots on my cheek and recommended that I see a dermatologist for evaluation. Unfortunately, I could not get an in-network appointment for almost a year.
On September 13, 2023, I took advantage of a skin cancer screening at the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy in Stow. I saw a dermatologist in an exam tent in the link. The doctor recommended I get a biopsy of the spots on my cheek and said that because I had this free screening I was eligible to see an out-of-network dermatologist.
I was able to see a dermatologist for the evaluation biopsies in October 2023 instead of waiting a year. The pathology report showed a Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) and Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC). I was promptly scheduled for an MOHS procedure that successfully removed all the cancerous cells.
I now visit my dermatologist twice a year, but I am cancer-free. If I hadn’t gone to the MFA screening, I would still be waiting for an in-network dermatologist.
I am really happy that I took advantage of the free screening. I recommend that all firefighters do the same.
Lieutenant Michael Soltys, Boxford Fire Department
My first thought when I heard about free CT scans for cancer screening was, “Why not? It’s free.”
So I signed up for the CT scan and a calcium test. After I signed up, new thoughts came into my mind. “What if my calcium score shows signs of heart issues and I have to leave firefighting?” That thought stuck with me. I almost canceled several times for fear that my career in the fire service might be over.
Test results showed an excellent calcium score, but the scan showed a 5.5 cm mass on my thyroid. That was not the news I was expecting. I never considered that the CT scan would reveal anything. I consulted with several doctors and decided to remove half of my thyroid. After the surgery, tests showed that the mass was not cancerous. When the doctor gave me this news, I asked, “What if the mass was not detected?” The doctor said, “We don’t know.” I’m relieved that I know the mass isn’t cancerous. Not knowing about it is a chance I would not want to take. If the free CT scan was not offered to me, I might have had far more serious issues than the loss of half my thyroid. I can’t say it enough, “This test was so important for me and my family!”
The month between the CT scan results and learning that the mass was benign felt like years. It was an emotionally overwhelming time. The support that I received from DFS and the IAFF was phenomenal. I urge everyone in the Fire Service to take advantage of the free cancer screenings from DFS and the IAFF.
Deputy Chief Michael Donoghue, Chelmsford Fire Department
I was fortunate to take part in the cancer screenings offered by DFS. First, I had the skin cancer
screening. The doctor found a spot on my head and referred me for further testing. Luckily, the spot was benign. I will have a follow-up screening in one year.
Next, I signed up for the CT scan and paid $100 for the calcium score. According to my doctor, the CT scan was ok, but I had a high calcium score and I was referred to a cardiologist for further evaluation. I had an ultrasound and a stress test. As a result, the cardiologist made minor modifications to my medicines. I was, and still am, completely asymptomatic. I will now see the cardiologist each year.
The early detection programs offered by DFS are an asset to the fire service if people take advantage of them. I encouraged all my members to take part. I especially encouraged older firefighters. I'm an “older” firefighter at age 55, beginning my 28th year with the fire service.
Chief Daniel Stamborski, Chicopee Fire Department
DFS cancer screenings are an amazing opportunity for every firefighter. I’m a 25-year veteran of
the fire service. Over time I’ve found that you must be proactive about your health or many issues can be dismissed or overlooked.
Annual physicals are minimal. Most take only a few minutes and include the most basic examinations. If your doctor is on the ball, you may have some basic blood work. For several years, I had an excellent primary care doctor. I was able to educate him about my occupational risks based on a DFS class. The instructor provided a checklist to share with doctors – it listed all the tests a firefighter should have. My doctor used the list to get me regular chest x- rays and additional blood work each year.
13 years ago I lost my father, a 28-year veteran firefighter, to bladder cancer. My doctor explained that bladder cancer is occupational, not hereditary. He recommended a very inexpensive urine test that I had to pay for. This ought to be a standard test for all firefighters.
I commend DFS for the effort to build awareness and to offer information and screening about occupational cancer in the fire service. I think that state government should push for thorough physicals that mirror those the state HazMat team gets. Full body scans at a group discount are another good idea. There are countless stories of the benefits of these scans. I paid for my own after my father passed and it was $500.00. Negotiating a state group rate could bring that cost down.
Recently, I had a CT screening through the DFS program. They found spots on my lower lungs that led to an asthma diagnosis. I am being treated and I feel much better. The scan also identified an enlarged thyroid that my doctor is monitoring. I applaud the efforts of DFS. The cancer screenings and awareness training will undoubtedly save some lives. Everyone should take advantage of the programs.
Captain Phil Rogers, Chelsea Fire Department
I'm 51 and have been a member of the fire service since 1993. I had both the CT scan and the
skin cancer screening and I had a wonderful and painless experience. I had one mole removed from my nose which was non-cancerous. I highly recommend the screenings for every firefighter. Too many of us are dying from cancer on the job and after we retire. Anything we can do to reduce that chance should be done.
My only problem with the DFS screening program is that it doesn’t have more screenings. A firefighter’s chance of getting many different cancers is substantially higher than the general population. The more types of cancer we are screened for, the better chance of finding and treating the cancer..
Firefighters need better communication with our primary care physicians. We have to educate them about the cancer risks to firefighters. When I speak with physicians about my work and occupational risks, I often think that they don't understand. Sometimes their attitude is, "I’m the MD, not you. What do you know?" I know that I’ve lost many friends and co-workers to cancer and that many more had their lives turned upside down by cancer. That's what I know..
I want to thank Dr. Kannler and all of the other physicians and nurses in the program for the wonderful way you treat us. Your kindness, compassion and professionalism has not gone unnoticed.
On a personal note, Dr. Kannler's late brother Pete was my friend. There is no better way to honor Pete and all the other like him than to get involved in programs like this. Sign up for your screenings soon.
Albert B. Beardsley, Program Coordinator, Advanced Fire Skills, Massachusetts Firefighting Academy
In February 2023, I participated in a free skin cancer screening with Dr. Christine Kannler. The
screening was fast and easy but the doctor found some areas on my ears that needed further attention. The next step was calling my dermatologist. I must say it was a quick and painless process.
When I called, the receptionist said that the first appointment available was in July, five months away. I told the receptionist that I had had a skin cancer screening with the Cancer in the Fire Service program with Dr. Kannler. Suddenly I was pushed to the head of the line and the doctor contacted me the next day! Wow, that's what I call service! All joking aside, the Cancer in the Fire Service screening program is really having an impact in the field when all you need to do is mention a name and the tone completely changes.
Thanks again to both Abby Baker and Dr. Kannler for providing this service. I knew that I had a couple of areas of concern on my back but the spots on my ears that the screening identified really surprised me. A "tip-o-the-helmet" to both of you!
Captain Patrick “P.J.” Roy, Ladder Co. 3, Fitchburg Fire Department, MFA Instructor of Taking Action against Cancer in the Fire Service
When I was asked to join the cancer awareness team at the Department of Fire Services (DFS), I was excited to spread
the word about the most dangerous under-recognized threat to firefighters - cancer! My father was a Fitchburg firefighter. He passed away at age 62 from occupational cancer. His death motivated me to spread the word about early cancer detection and prevention to as many firefighters as I could reach.
DFS offers many free cancer screenings. One of the newer screenings is a CT scan. I knew this was an important test, but I was terrified about getting it!
I had been involved in promoting cancer awareness and screening to other firefighters for more than 5 years, but I was so worried about the CT scan that I talked myself out of getting it. I was afraid the scan would detect something, maybe something that would prevent me from firefighting. But, I continued to think about it. “What if they find a cancer but treat me early. I would be back at work and healthy!” I also thought, “This scan could have saved my father! He could have met his grand kids and been around for his family.” I realized that getting the test was a no brainer!
I had the test. Luckily, my scan was clear. I know firefighters whose scans found cancers. But, they were found early and treated and these people are now healthy.
DFS has one of the best cancer awareness and screening programs in the country. Massachusetts firefighters can take advantage of education and screenings to stay aware of the cancer epidemic in the fire service and to stay healthy.
His Father's Son - In this video, Captain Roy talks about the loss of his firefighter father to occupational cancer.
Firefighter Joanie Cullinan, Wellesley Fire Department
In this video, FF Joanie Cullinan and Dr. Christine Kannler talk about a free skin cancer screening that saved FF Cullinan's life. Saving Lives with Early Detection - One Firefighter's Story.
Lt. Chris Dubois, Westborough Fire Department
Listen to Lt. Chris Dubois describe his experience with a skin cancer screening through the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy.
Deputy Chief Jonathan E. Sawyer, Yarmouth Fire Department
I had an annual physical with my primary care doctor in July 2023. I shared my concern that as a firefighter, I was at increased risk for many cancers, and I had never been to a dermatologist. I told the doctor that I was signed up for skin cancer screening through the MFA. My doctor offered to check me for skin cancer on the spot. He found nothing suspicious after a quick body exam.
On September 1, I went to my MFA skin cancer screening appointment at the Brewster Fire Department. I filled out a short form, met Dr. Kannler, and had a quick education session about the program. Dr. Kannler scanned my skin and circled two moles on my back. She took pictures of them with my phone and told me to have them removed.
On October 5, my primary care doctor removed both moles. Ten days later, my doctor called to say that both moles were melanoma. The next day I met with my new dermatologist who explained the pathology reports and gave me an education about melanoma. Both of my moles were shallow, and for melanoma this is good news. On November 15 a surgeon removed more skin from the area of the moles. Pathology reports later showed that they removed all the cancer. I will see my dermatologist every three months for a year, then twice a year and once a year after that.
I am so grateful for the work Dr. Kannler does and equally grateful to the MFA for sponsoring this important screening!
To my fellow firefighters, this screening is free and it took less than an hour from my day. It is available to active and retired firefighters. I urge you to sign up today!
Captain Zachary Vozella, Chicopee Fire Department
I think I read about the cancer screenings in an email and it seemed like a good idea.
I met the criteria. I’m 43, I’ve been on the job for 12 years, and I knew the screenings were available through the Academy. So I figured, why not?
It was very easy. Mercy Medical Center did my intake over the phone and set up the appointment, and I showed up and did it. It was totally painless.
I got my results the same day. They said that the ultrasound showed something concerning, a neoplasm, and that I should get it checked out. I was scared. I was nervous. It was nerve-wracking. I got an appointment at my doctor’s office the next day.
A week later, I had a CT scan and followed up with a visit to a specialist. He told me it was cancer based on the imaging and behavior of the growth. He told me I was really lucky I had the screening when I did. I had no symptoms, and I probably wouldn’t have had symptoms until it grew and spread and started causing problems. It could have ended up killing me.
Captain Vozella had surgery to remove his left kidney on July 30, 2024, about four weeks after his initial visit. The pathology report after the surgery revealed the cancer was stage 1B chromophobe renal cell carcinoma. The surgery was successful and he was back to work in late September.
I found from talking to the doctors that a lot of them are unaware of the dangers we face, as far as cancer goes. So many people I’ve talked to have asked why I even got checked. They have no idea what we’re exposed to, and they’re not going to know unless you talk about it. So it’s really important to be an advocate for your health. You have to take the initiative.