Cancer is a leading cause of death among firefighters, and the Oak Park Fire Department is aiming to change that as they participate in a significant new study.
According to officials, the department is participating in a long-term research study examining how firefighting affects cancer risk.
“This is very important. Working with the University of Illinois in this study gives us an opportunity to understand what is really going on and why firefighters and paramedics get sick at a higher rate than the public,” said Fire Chief JT Terry. “Long studies over many decades will really help us understand how we can do better at protecting our members and ultimately how we could do better to help the general public and contain the contaminants that come out of fires or all emergencies.”
Participation is voluntary, with researchers collecting blood and urine samples from firefighters, along with a baseline health questionnaire and an annual cancer survey. The study is designed to follow participants for up to 30 years, according to researchers.
Dr. Farzaneh Masoud is director of research at the Illinois Fire Service Institute, and she is leading the study.
“I’m a cancer researcher and a molecular biologist. I have attended many cancer conferences,” she said. “This longitudinal study is the only way we can address cause and effect. What is causing the health challenges and the high risk of cancer that they are facing and the mortality rate? This study, it’s huge. It is big, it is ambitious. So far, we have had members from 101 fire departments in the state of Illinois participating. Some departments are more active than the others. Maybe we can make the occupation a little safer, not just for this generation, but also for the generations to come.”
Ryan Peacocke is a firefighter and paramedic who is participating in the study.
“I am taking part in the study for a number of reasons. I want to know if I have any of the biomarkers that could put me at risk further down the line,” said Peacocke.
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