2025 SFFCPF UPDATES

Published: May 21, 2025
Source: SFFCPF Health Navigation Team
Health Navigators: Jeff Malone, Retired SFFD | Judith Lynch, RN BS MAOM | Nick Oxford, Active SFFD | Adam Wood, Retired SFFD

The San Francisco Firefighters Cancer Prevention Foundation’s Health Navigation team is currently providing personalized support to 140 active patients, including firefighters and their family members who are navigating a cancer diagnosis. In May, the program welcomed five new patients into care and supported twelve others as they completed treatment or transitioned out of active services.

These numbers reflect the ongoing need for compassionate, comprehensive cancer support within the firefighter community. Each patient’s journey is different, but our commitment remains the same: to ensure no firefighter or family member goes through cancer alone.

• One-on-one consultations with experienced Health Navigators
• Access to top specialists at UCSF, Stanford, and other leading institutions
• Support in coordinating second opinions and exploring clinical trials
• Financial assistance for uncovered medical expenses
• Emotional and integrative care throughout treatment and recovery

Firefighters and their families continue to receive expert guidance and compassionate support through every stage of the cancer journey. If you or someone in the firefighter community is facing a cancer diagnosis, SFFCPF is here to help.

Published: April 18, 2025
Source: YouTube.com/@sffcpf
Featuring: SFFD Battalion Chief Matt Alba

Firefighters put their lives on the line every day—but too often, the danger doesn’t end at the scene. In a new video, Battalion Chief Matt Alba shares how the San Francisco Firefighters Cancer Prevention Foundation (SFFCPF) is helping reduce cancer risk for members of the San Francisco Fire Department by providing specialized gear bags that separate clean and contaminated equipment.

Fireground contaminants don’t just stay on scene—they cling to turnouts, gloves, hoods, and helmets long after the call is over. Without proper separation, these toxins can end up in cars, locker rooms, and homes, putting firefighters and their families at risk of long-term exposure.

“We’re trying to keep you from contaminating your vehicles, contaminating your stations, and most importantly—contaminating your homes and your families,”

To help address this issue, SFFCPF is funding and distributing clean and contaminated gear bags to SFFD members. This simple system provides an immediate way to reduce cross-contamination and supports the broader mission of cancer prevention in the fire service. You can read more about the gear bag program and its background in this article.

This initiative builds on findings from the Kitsap County Firefighter Cancer Study (PDF), which revealed that children of firefighters faced a cancer diagnosis rate over 27 times higher than the general population—a sobering statistic that underscores the importance of reducing take-home exposure.

SFFCPF’s mission is made possible by the generosity of donors, sponsors, and community supporters. Your contributions help us provide life-saving resources like these gear bags, fund early detection screenings, and support firefighter families navigating cancer diagnoses.

Published: January 30, 2025
Source: YouTube.com/@sffcpf
Featuring: Lieutenant Brian Kyono

After nearly three decades with the San Francisco Fire Department (SFFD), Lieutenant Brian Kyono retired in April 2022, expecting to enjoy the next chapter of his life. But just months later, he was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer—a devastating reality too many firefighters face. He passed away on September 12, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of service, camaraderie, and leadership.

For generations, firefighters have believed in the idea of serving 30 years and enjoying 30 years of retirement. But for many, that goal is no longer achievable. Cancer has become the leading cause of firefighter deaths, a direct result of prolonged exposure to toxic smoke, contaminated gear, and hazardous materials on the job.

Kyono’s diagnosis was a stark reminder of this growing threat. In a personal journal entry, he reflected on his new reality:

“I understand that we are all mortal and will all come to an end. But getting a glimpse of that end puts a whole different perspective on life.”

Kyono’s colleagues and family are carrying forward his mission: urging firefighters to take their health seriously. Preventive measures can significantly reduce risk, including:

• Wearing SCBA gear even during overhaul to avoid toxic exposure.
• Following decontamination protocols to minimize long-term health risks.
• Properly cleaning turnouts after every fire and keeping contaminated gear out of living spaces.

Kyono’s widow, Donna Kyono, now speaks on his behalf:

“Brian always told me not to worry as a first responder. He said it was all about calculated risk. I just never thought that risk included stage four lung cancer.”

Lieutenant Brian Kyono’s story is a reminder and a warning—firefighters must protect themselves, not just for their own sake, but for their families, their crews, and the next generation.

The San Francisco Firefighters Cancer Prevention Foundation remains committed to raising awareness, supporting early screenings, and advocating for firefighter safety. Let’s honor Kyono’s legacy by ensuring more firefighters live to see the retirement they deserve.

Published: January 13, 2025
Source: E&E News by Politico
Featuring: Matt Alba | Active, SFFD Battalion Chief | SFFCPF Board Member

Wildfires pose a hidden threat to firefighters beyond the flames—cancer. This article explores the alarming cancer risks faced by firefighters battling wildfires in Los Angeles. It highlights toxic chemical exposures from burning materials and their long-term impact on firefighter health. The piece underscores the urgent need for prevention strategies, protective measures, and further research to safeguard those on the frontlines.

Read the full article to learn more about this critical issue.

Published: January 01, 2025

The SF Firefighter’s Cancer Prevention Foundation looks back on a year of significant changes and progress toward improving firefighter health and bringing together a strong community of support for our mission and vision.

We started the year off with the sold-out 17th Anniversary “Igniting Hope Gala” at the Palace Hotel. Guests honored our San Francisco Firefighters and supported our efforts to provide services and support to those with cancer diagnoses while enjoying the remarks of former MLB player and sports analyst Hunter Pence and honoring the White Helmet recipients, Michael Green, Founder and former CEO of the Center for Environmental Health, and Peter Caroll, MD, UCSF Professor of Urology.

Our research efforts took a big leap forward with two studies that take us in a new and exciting direction. Past research was primarily focused on documenting the toxic exposures that disproportionately affect firefighters. These studies have been recognized nationally and have contributed to legislation around the country to improve workers’ compensation laws by making cancer diagnoses presumptively related to work.

In 2024, we expanded our prevention efforts to see whether diet and nutrition can provide additional protection against cancer and heart disease by launching two key studies:

Igniting Firefighter Health Study: Dr. Christopher Gardner at the Stanford University Research Center – whose study was chronicled in a Netflix Documentary “You Are What You Eat” – will direct a similar study to examine the effects of a plant-based diet on reducing metabolic risk factors for cancer and heart disease. Starting in January 2025, he and his team began recruitment for 120 active San Francisco firefighters who will be randomly assigned to a plant-based diet or a healthy omnivore diet for 12 weeks. Participants will provide blood and other samples during the course of the study which will be analyzed to identify inflammatory markers that are also known to be markers for cancer. A documentary film will highlight the findings.

Broc Shot Study: This study will explore the preventative effects of sulforaphane, a plant-based compound found in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables.

These groundbreaking studies could have far-reaching implications for firefighters all over the world.

Our support for legislation to protect firefighter health and benefits has seen positive results in both state and local government:

California Assembly Bill 2408: This bill, which would prohibit the manufacture, sale, and distribution of firefighter protective equipment containing intentionally added PFAS chemicals, will be reintroduced in 2025 with stronger language to prevent manufacturers from replacing PFAS chemicals with equally toxic flame retardants.

Local Legislation: A similar bill received wide support from the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 2024.

Health Navigators Judith Lynch, Jeff Malone, and Nick Oxford continue their efforts assisting firefighters and their family members who have cancer diagnoses, serving well over 100 individuals at any given time. Donations help support:

• Second opinion evaluations at UCSF
• Transfers of care to cancer experts
• Other forms of financial assistance

As our donors continue their generosity, the Board took the important step of undergoing a rigorous financial audit. The results reflect the efforts of our all-volunteer board to ensure that 95% of all donations directly support firefighter health and prevention efforts.

We look forward to a busy 2025 as we welcome the new year!