GITNUXREPORT 2025

Firefighter Cancer Statistics

Firefighters face heightened cancer risks, emphasizing PPE, decontamination, and health monitoring.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

Approximately 70% of firefighter deaths are caused by cancer

Statistic 2

The most common types of cancer among firefighters are prostate, melanoma, brain, and colorectal cancers

Statistic 3

The CDC reports that approximately 45,000 firefighters are diagnosed with cancer annually in the United States

Statistic 4

Firefighter cancer risk is elevated in women, with some studies indicating a 20% increase compared to male firefighters

Statistic 5

Breakdown of cancer types in firefighters shows a 22% increase in prostate cancer cases

Statistic 6

Firefighter cancer rates vary globally, but the trend shows increased risks in North America and Europe

Statistic 7

The risk of developing esophageal cancer among firefighters is 1.8 times higher than the general population

Statistic 8

The likelihood of developing thyroid cancer among firefighters has increased by 15% in recent years

Statistic 9

Pediatric cancers in children of firefighters have increased by approximately 15%, suggesting potential familial or environmental links

Statistic 10

Long-term exposure to carcinogens during firefighting increases cancer risk by up to 60%

Statistic 11

Firefighters with more than 10 years of service have a 20% higher risk of developing cancer

Statistic 12

Inhalation of toxic fumes during fire suppression is linked to increased lung cancer risk

Statistic 13

The latency period for firefighter-related cancers can be from 10 to 40 years post-exposure

Statistic 14

Firefighter exposure to flame retardants has been linked to increased endocrine disruption, which can contribute to cancer development

Statistic 15

Firefighters with a history of prior cancer are at increased risk of secondary cancers after firefighting exposures

Statistic 16

Carcinogenic air pollutants degrees are higher in underground and enclosed fires, intensifying health risks

Statistic 17

Firefighting foam contains chemicals linked to increased cancer risk, notably PFAS compounds

Statistic 18

Exposure to benzene during fires increases the risk of leukemia by approximately 40%

Statistic 19

Firefighters who work more than 20 years are twice as likely to develop certain cancers, such as mesothelioma and leukemia

Statistic 20

Firefighters are 9% more likely to develop cancer than the general population

Statistic 21

Firefighters have a 9% increased risk of developing testicular cancer compared to the general population

Statistic 22

Firefighters have a 14% higher risk of developing multiple myeloma than the general population

Statistic 23

Studies indicate that firefighting exposure increases the risk of bladder cancer by 50%

Statistic 24

The incidence of mesothelioma among firefighters is 1.7 times higher than the general population

Statistic 25

Firefighters are at a 50% increased risk of developing leukemia

Statistic 26

Firefighter carcogenic exposure levels are significantly higher in urban fires compared to wildfires

Statistic 27

Cancer accounts for nearly 70% of line-of-duty firefighter deaths, with a significant portion attributed to carcinogen exposure

Statistic 28

Firefighters exposed to asbestos in older buildings face an increased risk of mesothelioma and lung cancers

Statistic 29

Firefighters with higher occupational exposure levels show a 30% increased risk for all types of cancer

Statistic 30

Firefighters exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) during fires have a 2.5 times higher risk of developing skin cancer

Statistic 31

A study indicates that firefighters' risk of developing kidney cancer is increased by approximately 22%

Statistic 32

Exposure to formaldehyde and benzene during firefighting increases leukemia risk among firefighters

Statistic 33

Firefighters exposed to burning plastics are at risk of inhaling dioxins, which are linked to increased cancer risk

Statistic 34

Firefighter cancer risk is significantly higher in urban areas with high-density housing and complex fire scenes

Statistic 35

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) levels are 4-5 times higher on firefighter gear after fires, increasing contact risk

Statistic 36

Firefighter exposure to heavy metals like lead and cadmium during fires is linked to increased risk of various cancers

Statistic 37

Firefighters with insufficient decontamination procedures post-fire are 30% more likely to develop skin-related cancers

Statistic 38

Firefighter cancer risk is significantly highest among those who work in urban industrial areas, with a 25% increase

Statistic 39

Female firefighters exposed to firefighting chemicals have a 1.5 times higher incidence of certain cancers

Statistic 40

Carcinogen levels in firefighters' blood samples peak within 24 hours of firefighting activity, indicating short-term exposure risk

Statistic 41

Up to 80% of firefighters report skin irritation and rashes after firefighting, linked to carcinogen contact

Statistic 42

Firefighter exposure to Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) has shown potential carcinogenic effects in lab studies

Statistic 43

Elevated levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are found on firefighters’ hands after fires, increasing dermal absorption risk

Statistic 44

Firefighter exposure to combustion byproducts correlates with increased risk of stomach and esophageal cancer

Statistic 45

Blood tests have detected elevated levels of carcinogens in firefighters even after decontamination, indicating ongoing exposure risks

Statistic 46

Personal protective equipment (PPE) usage can reduce cancer risk by 60%

Statistic 47

A study shows that firefighters who wash their gear regularly reduce their cancer risk by up to 40%

Statistic 48

Firefighters with less access to advanced PPE tend to have a 15% higher risk of cancer, compared to those with better PPE

Statistic 49

The use of SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus) can reduce carcinogen inhalation by 75%

Statistic 50

Firefighters participating in regular health screenings have a 35% lower mortality rate from cancer

Statistic 51

Firefighters who participate in annual health monitoring programs show a 20% reduction in cancer mortality

Statistic 52

Implementation of cumulative decontamination procedures correlates with a 45% decrease in carcinogenic exposure levels

Statistic 53

Regular cleaning of turnout gear can lower carcinogen levels by 50-70%, decreasing contact exposure

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Key Highlights

Firefighters are 9% more likely to develop cancer than the general population
Approximately 70% of firefighter deaths are caused by cancer
Firefighters have a 9% increased risk of developing testicular cancer compared to the general population
The most common types of cancer among firefighters are prostate, melanoma, brain, and colorectal cancers
Long-term exposure to carcinogens during firefighting increases cancer risk by up to 60%
Firefighters have a 14% higher risk of developing multiple myeloma than the general population
Studies indicate that firefighting exposure increases the risk of bladder cancer by 50%
Firefighters with more than 10 years of service have a 20% higher risk of developing cancer
The incidence of mesothelioma among firefighters is 1.7 times higher than the general population
Inhalation of toxic fumes during fire suppression is linked to increased lung cancer risk
Firefighters are at a 50% increased risk of developing leukemia
Firefighter cancer rates vary globally, but the trend shows increased risks in North America and Europe
Personal protective equipment (PPE) usage can reduce cancer risk by 60%

Did you know that firefighters face a 9% higher risk of developing cancer—making it the leading cause of line-of-duty deaths—yet many of these risks can be significantly reduced through proper protective measures and regular health screenings?

Cancer Incidence and Types Among Firefighters

Approximately 70% of firefighter deaths are caused by cancer
The most common types of cancer among firefighters are prostate, melanoma, brain, and colorectal cancers
The CDC reports that approximately 45,000 firefighters are diagnosed with cancer annually in the United States
Firefighter cancer risk is elevated in women, with some studies indicating a 20% increase compared to male firefighters
Breakdown of cancer types in firefighters shows a 22% increase in prostate cancer cases

Cancer Incidence and Types Among Firefighters Interpretation

Given that roughly 70% of firefighter deaths stem from cancer—a disease with a 45,000 annual U.S. diagnosis rate, heightened risks for women, and a 22% surge in prostate cases—it's clear that fighting fires is as much a battle against an unseen enemy as it is against flames.

Epidemiological Studies and Global Variations

Firefighter cancer rates vary globally, but the trend shows increased risks in North America and Europe
The risk of developing esophageal cancer among firefighters is 1.8 times higher than the general population
The likelihood of developing thyroid cancer among firefighters has increased by 15% in recent years
Pediatric cancers in children of firefighters have increased by approximately 15%, suggesting potential familial or environmental links

Epidemiological Studies and Global Variations Interpretation

While firefighters worldwide bravely battle blazes, these alarming statistics reveal they may also be fighting an unseen, insidious enemy: elevated cancer risks that threaten their own ranks and families long after the flames are extinguished.

Long-term and Cumulative Health Impacts

Long-term exposure to carcinogens during firefighting increases cancer risk by up to 60%
Firefighters with more than 10 years of service have a 20% higher risk of developing cancer
Inhalation of toxic fumes during fire suppression is linked to increased lung cancer risk
The latency period for firefighter-related cancers can be from 10 to 40 years post-exposure
Firefighter exposure to flame retardants has been linked to increased endocrine disruption, which can contribute to cancer development
Firefighters with a history of prior cancer are at increased risk of secondary cancers after firefighting exposures
Carcinogenic air pollutants degrees are higher in underground and enclosed fires, intensifying health risks
Firefighting foam contains chemicals linked to increased cancer risk, notably PFAS compounds
Exposure to benzene during fires increases the risk of leukemia by approximately 40%
Firefighters who work more than 20 years are twice as likely to develop certain cancers, such as mesothelioma and leukemia

Long-term and Cumulative Health Impacts Interpretation

While firefighters heroically confront flames and save lives, their brave profession tragically elevates their cancer risk—up to 60% higher with long-term exposure—highlighting a peril masked behind the badge that underscores urgent calls for enhanced safety measures and protective protocols.

Occupational Risk Factors and Exposure

Firefighters are 9% more likely to develop cancer than the general population
Firefighters have a 9% increased risk of developing testicular cancer compared to the general population
Firefighters have a 14% higher risk of developing multiple myeloma than the general population
Studies indicate that firefighting exposure increases the risk of bladder cancer by 50%
The incidence of mesothelioma among firefighters is 1.7 times higher than the general population
Firefighters are at a 50% increased risk of developing leukemia
Firefighter carcogenic exposure levels are significantly higher in urban fires compared to wildfires
Cancer accounts for nearly 70% of line-of-duty firefighter deaths, with a significant portion attributed to carcinogen exposure
Firefighters exposed to asbestos in older buildings face an increased risk of mesothelioma and lung cancers
Firefighters with higher occupational exposure levels show a 30% increased risk for all types of cancer
Firefighters exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) during fires have a 2.5 times higher risk of developing skin cancer
A study indicates that firefighters' risk of developing kidney cancer is increased by approximately 22%
Exposure to formaldehyde and benzene during firefighting increases leukemia risk among firefighters
Firefighters exposed to burning plastics are at risk of inhaling dioxins, which are linked to increased cancer risk
Firefighter cancer risk is significantly higher in urban areas with high-density housing and complex fire scenes
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) levels are 4-5 times higher on firefighter gear after fires, increasing contact risk
Firefighter exposure to heavy metals like lead and cadmium during fires is linked to increased risk of various cancers
Firefighters with insufficient decontamination procedures post-fire are 30% more likely to develop skin-related cancers
Firefighter cancer risk is significantly highest among those who work in urban industrial areas, with a 25% increase
Female firefighters exposed to firefighting chemicals have a 1.5 times higher incidence of certain cancers
Carcinogen levels in firefighters' blood samples peak within 24 hours of firefighting activity, indicating short-term exposure risk
Up to 80% of firefighters report skin irritation and rashes after firefighting, linked to carcinogen contact
Firefighter exposure to Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) has shown potential carcinogenic effects in lab studies
Elevated levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are found on firefighters’ hands after fires, increasing dermal absorption risk
Firefighter exposure to combustion byproducts correlates with increased risk of stomach and esophageal cancer
Blood tests have detected elevated levels of carcinogens in firefighters even after decontamination, indicating ongoing exposure risks

Occupational Risk Factors and Exposure Interpretation

Firefighters face a lifethreatening paradox: while they heroically combat fires, their exposure to carcinogens elevates their cancer risk—up to 50% higher in some types—making the very shields they wear a double-edged sword in their fight for safety.

Protective Measures and Safety Protocols

Personal protective equipment (PPE) usage can reduce cancer risk by 60%
A study shows that firefighters who wash their gear regularly reduce their cancer risk by up to 40%
Firefighters with less access to advanced PPE tend to have a 15% higher risk of cancer, compared to those with better PPE
The use of SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus) can reduce carcinogen inhalation by 75%
Firefighters participating in regular health screenings have a 35% lower mortality rate from cancer
Firefighters who participate in annual health monitoring programs show a 20% reduction in cancer mortality
Implementation of cumulative decontamination procedures correlates with a 45% decrease in carcinogenic exposure levels
Regular cleaning of turnout gear can lower carcinogen levels by 50-70%, decreasing contact exposure

Protective Measures and Safety Protocols Interpretation

While diligent PPE use and routine decontamination can slash firefighters’ cancer risks by up to 70%, ensuring equitable access to such safeguards and ongoing health monitoring remains vital to truly extinguish preventable fatalities.