Press Room

This legislation would help protect firefighters from one of the most life-threatening hazards of their profession by ensuring that no-cost cancer screenings are available to all full-time firefighters. The goal is to catch diseases early and help protect firefighters’ health.

Occupational cancer is the most common cause of line-of-duty deaths for firefighters, according to the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). In the course of their work, they are exposed to carcinogens such as gases, PFAS, diesel fumes, asbestos, and radiation. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has determined that “occupational exposure as a firefighter is carcinogenic to humans.”

The details of the legislation are below.

Guarantees Firefighters Access to No-Cost Cancer Screenings. Ensures all eligible Massachusetts firefighters have access to regular cancer screenings. Requires that the health insurance provided by the firefighter’s public employer must cover a cancer screening every three years during their employment—free of any co-pays, deductibles, coinsurance, or out-of-pocket expenses. Applies to full-time, paid firefighters employed by the state, municipalities, and fire and water districts, and members of fire departments on certain military bases.

Provides Comprehensive Screening. Accounts for the many carcinogens that firefighters are exposed to and the many types of cancers they may be susceptible to. Requires the covered examinations to screen for a wide variety of cancers including, at a minimum and when applicable: colon, lung, bladder, oral, thyroid, skin, blood, breast, cervical, testicular, and prostate.

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