New Resources Released to Support Cancer Risk Reduction

September 16, 2025

The Cancer Awareness, Prevention, and Education (CAPE) for Volunteer Firefighters Toolkit has been released to assist responders in lowering their exposure risks and implementing the 11 cancer prevention practices outlined in the Lavender Ribbon Report. A new video and PowerPoint presentation was developed to accompany each practice, along with a repository of existing resources to further support individual and department implementation.

The CAPE Toolkit was developed by Tennessee Tech, Rutgers Health School of Public Health, and the National Development and Research Institute (NDRI) through the FEMA-funded Firefighter Cancer Assessment and Prevention Study. The resources support the Lavender Ribbon Report, which was released in 2018 by the National Volunteer Fire Council and International Association of Fire Chiefs’ Volunteer and Combination Officers Section.

With cancer a leading threat facing firefighters, this toolkit aims to make it easier for volunteers to proactively take actions to protect themselves and reduce their risks. A newsletter is also available that delves further into specific cancer awareness and prevention topics.

Download the toolkit at www.capecancerprevention.org.