By Sasha Weller | Thoughts on Innovation
Scottsdale firefighters face many risks just doing their job. Burning buildings. Car accidents. Heart attacks. Wildfires. Mountain rescues in the Preserve. But that risk also includes cancer-causing materials such as plastics, treated fabrics, and synthetic building materials, all of which are among a host of toxins our members are exposed to daily. In a fire those materials can release a “toxic cocktail” of carcinogens that cling to gear and skin, and lungs.
We want to thank the Scottsdale City Council and staff for understanding that risk and funding a $400,000 annual contract with the Vincere Cancer Center to provide advanced screenings for firefighters. That includes whole-body MRIs, lung CT scans, skin exams, and multi-cancer blood testing.
Best of all, the Scottsdale City Council unanimously voted in early March to fund this effort. And for good reason.
Nationally, firefighters have a 9% higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer and a 14% higher risk of dying from it compared to the general population. In Scottsdale, cancer is identified as the leading cause of death within the fire service, accounting for roughly one-third of all department fatalities.
The men and woman on the Scottsdale City Council have diverse opinions and goals. That’s the nature of government and a vibrant democracy.
That’s why it’s truly inspiring to see uniform support for this cancer screening and prevention effort. City staff did an excellent job researching how the program would work. And our elected leaders took the time to study the problem and vote accordingly.
Thanks to all who made this happen. The motto of the Scottsdale Fire Fighters Association is “We’re Here For You.” The men and women of the Scottsdale Fire Department are dedicated to saving lives.
Thank you Scottsdale for returning the favor, helping to save our lives, and having our backs.
Editor’s Note: Sasha Weller is president of the Scottsdale Firefighters Association.
