Take Action to Reduce Risks During Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month

January 13, 2026

It is well-known that firefighters face exposure risks due to the job they perform protecting their community. The good news is that there are specific actions that firefighters can take to lower their risks. January is Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month. Use this time to review department policies and make positive changes to reduce cancer risks now and in the future.

View this message from NVFC Chair Steve Hirsch.

Here are resources to help:

Lavender Ribbon Reports
Read the Lavender Ribbon Report and Lavender Ribbon Report Update to learn 11 specific actions for lowering exposure risks to protect from cancer. Incorporate these practices into your department’s standard operating procedures. The webpage also includes motivational posters and videos.

The Cancer Awareness, Prevention, and Education (CAPE) for Volunteer Firefighters Toolkit
This toolkit is designed to assist responders in implementing the 11 practices outlined in the Lavender Ribbon Report. It includes a video and PowerPoint presentation to accompany each practice, along with a repository of other resources.

PPE Resources
As a firefighter, personal protective equipment is the best line of defense against exposure and contamination risks that could otherwise threaten your health and safety. It is critical that your gear fits properly, is worn properly, and is cleaned and decontaminated properly. This page provides resources to help make sure your gear is keeping you protected and safe.

Webinar – Actions Firefighters Can Take to Reduce Cancer Risks
This NVFC webinar, sponsored by Ward Diesel Filter Systems, reviews the actions firefighters and departments can take to reduce occupational cancer risks.

Webinar – Advancing Volunteer Firefighter Health: Findings from the ECHOS Study
The Firefighter Cancer Initiative at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami recently completed a project using wristband sampling to characterize carcinogens in volunteer firefighter work environments. This webinar highlights the recent findings from the ECHOS Study (Environmental Characterization of Health hazards in Occupational Settings).

Videos on Firefighter Cancer Risk Reduction
The NVFC has developed a series of short videos – including survivor stories – to help motivate responders to take action to prevent firefighter cancer. Share these videos with your crew.

National Firefighter Registry for Cancer (NFR)
Sign up for the NFR to help researchers better understand and prevent cancer among firefighters. All firefighters are encouraged to join the registry, career and volunteer, with and without a cancer diagnosis.

Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN)
FCSN provides resources and tools for Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month. Also check out these fact sheets on Contaminated Gear: At the Fire Incident and Contaminated Gear: At a Fire Station.