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Cancer Risk Reduction

Reducing Cancer Risk in Oregon

We understand the significant challenges and hazards that face the Oregon fire service daily, and we're committed to providing resources to protect their health and well-being.

Cancer is a significant threat to firefighters and first responders because of exposure to hazardous materials and carcinogens during firefighting operations. By implementing preventive measures and adopting healthy lifestyle practices, cancer risk can be reduced.

This page offers a comprehensive collection of resources tailored to Oregon firefighter and first responder needs. Whether you're seeking best practices for reducing exposure to carcinogens, tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, or support services for those affected by cancer, you'll find valuable tools and information here.

Explore our curated list of educational materials, training programs, and links to relevant organizations dedicated to firefighter health and safety.

Together, we can work towards minimizing the risk of cancer among Oregon's firefighters and first responders, ensuring they can continue their critical work of protecting our communities while safeguarding their own health. 

Resources

​International Firefighter Cancer Symposium 2024 Presentations

Day 1

Day 2

2025 International Firefighter Cancer Symposium Presentations:
  • Symposium 2025 YouTube channel. To access all presentations.
  • Highlighted presentations:
    • ​Keynote Address, State Fire Marshal Director JoAnne Rice:  Video
    • Opening Speaker, Frank Leeb: Video
    • Mental Health Challenges Among Firefighter Cancer Survivors: Video
    • Volunteer Firefighters: Video
    • Challenges + Implementation Strategies in Firefighter Health + Safety: Video
    • Firefighter Wellness and Physical Activity: Video
    • Nutrition: Video
    • Textiles and Exposure: Video
    • Cancer Risk in Wildland Firefighters: Video
    • Cancer Presumption and Policy Priorities: Video
    • ​Building Academic and Community Partnerships: Video

  • ​Topic: Firefighter Health risks related to Per- And Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, PFAS Presenter: Melissa Furlong, PhD
  • Description: This seminar was presented by researcher Dr. Melissa Furlong from the Zuckerman College of Public Health at the University of Arizona, and hosted by the U-Arizona Center for Firefighter Health Collaborative Research in partnership with the Fire Fighter Cancer Cohort Study.
  • The seminar focuses on research about a group of chemicals called Per-And Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, or PFAS for short. PFAS are often referred to as "forever chemicals" because they take a very long time to break down. The presentation covers information on occupational and personal risk factors for increased serum PFAS concentrations in firefighters, the toxicity of PFAS chemicals, treatments available to reduce PFAS levels, and ongoing studies.
  • Description:  Jackie Goodrich, PhD (Research Associate Professor of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan) investigates how chemicals like PFAS and heavy metals alter DNA and increase disease risk—particularly in children, women, and firefighters. Her discoveries have advanced strategies to better protect vulnerable populations.​


Firefighter Cancer Initiative Seminar Series

​NFORS - Exposure Management​

Direct Connect for Firefighters: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Dana-Farber is committed to addressing the unique healthcare needs of firefighters and dedicated to preventing cancer and detecting the disease in its earliest forms. Exposure to smoke and hazardous chemicals contributes to firefighters' increased cancer risk. Our Direct Connect team is committed to providing our firefighter community with the care and support they deserve.

Information webinars:

Firefighters who require in-person care for a rare/complex form of cancer or want to pursue a clinical trial at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, contact the patient liaison team at  866-977-3262 or directconnect@dfci.harvard.edu. 

​Firefighter Cancer Cohort Study​