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Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Local 282 and Buffalo Fire Department Partnership
BUFFALO, N.Y. — Cancer is the most dangerous threat to firefighter health and safety today, surpassing cardiac related deaths. To help address and reduce these risks, the Buffalo Fire Department and Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center have teamed up to develop an ongoing initiative to keep first responders safe. Roswell Park, Buffalo Fire Department and Buffalo Professional Firefighters Local 282 have established a cancer prevention committee that meets regularly to keep these important issues at the forefront of the fire service, and have also collaborated to establish a three-pronged approach for reducing risks. "The Buffalo Fire Department is proud to be a part of this latest life-saving initiative, along with our on-going collaboration with Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Buffalo Professional Firefighters Local 282 as we continue to develop new processes, and procedures that will ensure the health and safety of our Firefighters and First Responders everywhere," said City of Buffalo Fire Commissioner William Renaldo. Through this new initiative, BFD will:
While national data suggest that firefighters have a 9% higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer, and a 14% higher risk of dying from cancer than the general U.S. population across all cancers, the increased incidence of certain cancers is significantly higher. Studies have found:
The collaboration represents an extension of the First Responders Screening Program Roswell Park launched in late 2020. The program provides a physical, lab tests, bloodwork, comprehensive skin cancer screening and imaging for eligible individuals. Since the program’s inception, Roswell Park has screened more than 250 first responders. Early detection of cancer is a key factor in improving better survival, quality of life and access to more effective treatment options. “You do so much for your community, but it’s critical that as first responders, you take a moment to take care of yourselves,” says Candace S. Johnson, PhD, President, CEO and M&T Presidential Chair in Leadership at Roswell Park. “Anytime we at Roswell Park can do something to reduce that cancer burden, we are happy to help.” First Responders check your eligibility here - https://www.roswellpark.org/screening-prevention/cancer-screening-first-responders Join our Ride for Roswell 2024 Team! Members, retirees and families ALL WELCOME! http://buffalofirefighters.org/rideforroswell |
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