National Framework on Cancer Linked to Firefighting

We are happy to share a summary of today’s announcement by member Neil McMillan, the IAFF’s Director of Science & Research:

Today Ottawa fire station 13 hosted a very important announcement from the Honourable Mark Holland Minister of Health, made with General President Kelly, Parliamentary Secretary Sherry Romanado, Parliamentary Secretary Naqvi, and representatives of from the Canadian Fire Chief’s Association and Ontario Fire Marshall’s office, with the attendance of Senators, Members of Parliament, and representatives from across the fire service.

The Announcement included the implementation strategy, and the secured funding for The National Framework on Cancer Linked to Firefighting.

$12.29 million has been allocated over the next 5-years, with recurring funding of $200,000 annually.

This funding will pay for efforts to address the 6-Pillars of the Framework:

Pillar #1 – Research on Cancer linked to Firefighting

  • Encourage research, analyze under-studied sub-populations within the fire service, improve the understanding of biological mechanisms of cancer development in fire fighters, align research with the true needs of fire fighters, ensure the translation of knowledge.

Pillar #2 – Research on Cancer Prevention & Data Collection

  • Enhance data collection on fire fighter cancer and health, focusing existing data gaps

Pillar #3 – Training and Education in Health Care Settings

  • Develop evidence-based occupational exposure programs, educational materials for healthcare providers serving fire fighters at risk of cancer

Pillar #4 – Diagnostic Testing for Firefighters

  • Increase awareness of and impacts from occupational cancer in the fire service, support patient-provider interactions, research diagnostic and screening practices, disseminate evidence-based diagnostic guidance on fire fighter cancers, collaborate with cancer agencies and specialists

Pillar #5 – Information & Knowledge Sharing

  • Facilitate occupational health and safety programs, develop informational materials broadening best practices for prevention and mitigation strategies

Pillar #6 – Standards on Health and Safety and Workers’ Compensation

  • Address identified gaps and share information with provincial stakeholders, share information to support WCB decision-making processes, update presumptive cancers lists and inform WCB policy administrations

 

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