Firefighters Face Cancer Risk: Screenings Begin in Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge firefighters are tackling a silent threat that comes with their heroic job: esophageal cancer. This type of cancer has a high mortality rate, and the men and women who fight fires are at an increased risk. Specifically, they have a 62% higher chance of developing it due to daily exposures. Jake Morgan, the President of the Baton Rouge Professional Firefighter Association, highlights that everyday tasks like entering burning buildings and dealing with toxic fumes put firefighters in danger. Thanks to advanced screening technology, firefighters are now getting checked for pre-cancerous cells in their esophagus. This involves a simple process where they swallow a small device to collect cell samples for DNA testing.These screenings are a critical part of preventive care, especially since firefighters are at a higher risk compared to the general population. "It starts with the gear, " Morgan explains. "Our equipment and procedures have improved to minimize exposure to harmful chemicals. " He adds that testing has become more efficient with technology introduced in 2020. For those who test positive, early detection means swift medical intervention can be lifesaving. The efforts to reduce these risks also extend to better decontamination procedures post-fire, ensuring that firefighters minimize their exposure to carcinogens.