By NIOSH
Firefighters face a significantly increased risk of developing cancer, according to a comprehensive study by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). This large-scale research project—one of the most rigorous to date—analyzed cancer diagnoses and deaths among 29,993 firefighters from San Francisco, Chicago, and Philadelphia.
Published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine, the NIOSH firefighter cancer study confirms that firefighters are more likely to be diagnosed with—and die from—various cancers compared to the general U.S. population.
Key Findings from the Study
This landmark firefighter cancer research revealed:
- Higher cancer rates across the board, particularly for cancers affecting the respiratory, digestive, and urinary systems.
- A twofold increase in mesothelioma, a cancer linked to asbestos exposure—marking the first such finding in U.S. firefighter studies.
- The need for expanded occupational health protections and early detection for firefighters nationwide.
Firefighters in the study were employed between 1950 and 2009, providing decades of data to support these findings. Researchers noted that these elevated firefighter cancer statistics are likely tied to long-term exposure to carcinogens such as benzene, formaldehyde, diesel exhaust, and asbestos during fire suppression and overhaul activities.
What This Means for Firefighters
This study reinforced what firefighters and their families already feared: firefighting is an occupational cancer risk. The data is now clear—career firefighters are at a much higher risk of developing job-related cancer.
Because of the study’s size and scope, it has become a foundational reference for cancer-related legislation, policy changes, and ongoing cancer prevention efforts across the U.S.
SFFCPF was one of the contributing organizations through the San Francisco Fire Department. Our mission continues to build on these findings through research, early detection, and health support for firefighters facing cancer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What percentage of firefighters get cancer?
While exact percentages vary, studies consistently show that firefighters have higher cancer rates than the general public, especially for mesothelioma and respiratory-related cancers.
Do firefighters have a higher risk of cancer?
Yes. This NIOSH study—and many others since—confirm that firefighters are at increased risk due to regular exposure to carcinogenic substances on the job.
What cancers are most common among firefighters?
- Lung cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Mesothelioma
How many firefighters die of cancer each year?
Cancer is now the leading cause of death among firefighters, according to the IAFF and multiple peer-reviewed studies. More than 60% of firefighter line-of-duty deaths are attributed to occupational cancer.