A cancer care program is now being offered by the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, designed specifically for firefighters across the country.
The cancer care program has been shared by the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF).
The program, Direct Connect for Firefighters, was beta tested with members of Boston, MA Local 718 and then the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts last year.
PFFM President Rich MacKinnon shared: “The PFFM is incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to work with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute toward a future where firefighters can do their jobs without sacrificing their long-term health.
“The expansion of the Direct Connect program for firefighters represents a critical step toward that goal.”
The expanded program focuses on three areas: providing oncology-related educational material for firefighter training programs, offering firefighter organizations clinical guidance on cancer screening and early detection.
As well as collaborating on research to develop tailored cancer screening and early detection recommendations specifically for fire fighters.
For Local 718 members, the program became an extension of its Boston Fire Cancer Foundation, which provides direct support to members diagnosed with cancer.
Specifically, the institute helps Boston firefighter cancer patients connect with cancer support services and therapies.
Local 718 President Sam Dillon’ said: “The partnership and efforts of Dana-Farber and the Boston Fire Cancer Foundation — led by Boston firefighter Dan Ranahan — are resulting in enhanced access to specialized care, vital education to our firefighters and collaboration on research that could lead to a deeper understanding of the cancer risks inherent in our profession.”
“Firefighter lives will no doubt be saved by the utilization of this program.”
Heather Cloran Di Lorenzo, Senior Director of Commercial and Market Strategy at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, said the goal “is to provide firefighters with personalized support and access to cutting-edge cancer screening and prevention strategies.”
3rd District Vice President Jay Colbert commented: “We know now that cancer is the number one killer of firefighters due to the toxins we are exposed to every day on the job. Any weapon we can add to our arsenal to fight against this horrible disease helps save lives.
“I commend the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute for focusing in on this important and providing this valuable resource.”
The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) has highlighted the work of The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, which is now offering a cancer care program designed for firefighters across the company.
