Your crew is at risk for skin cancer—Better protect yourselves with these simple steps

"As if their jobs aren't dangerous enough"

How many of your crew members have undergone a full-body check for skin cancer? The reality is that every one of them should regularly have this done.

Dr. Jennifer Vickers of Sanova Dermatology said, “As if their jobs aren’t dangerous enough, there’s new evidence that suggests that firefighters may have an increased risk for skin cancer over those in other professions.”

LiveScience reported on a study of about 2,400 firefighters in South Florida, revealing that 4.5 percent of them disclosed being diagnosed with skin cancer at some point. 0.7 percent of all surveyed were diagnosed with melanoma (the deadliest form of skin cancer): higher than the 0.1 percent melanoma rate among the general population of Florida.

The study also found the average age of melanoma among firefighters was 42 years old, versus the average age being 64 years old within the nation’s general population. In 2002, Washington State passed legislation deeming melanoma an “occupational disease” for firefighters.

It’s extremely important that you remind all of your crew members: You have to protect yourself first, before being able to save others. Understand the risk factors of skin cancer, do your best to reduce them and check regularly to make sure they don’t sneak up on you.

What to watch out for

 Some of the factors involved in the increased risks of skin cancer that your team faces include:

• UV rays from the sun—Because you are frequently outdoors, you’re also frequently exposed to one of the leading causes of skin cancer: the sun. Make sure to take breaks in covered or shaded areas and wear sunscreen while on duty and outside of work. The LiveScience study discovered that firefighters with melanoma had a greater history of sunburns.
• Lingering soot from the scene of fire—The combustion of materials during a fire creates harmful chemical compounds, known as carcinogens, within soot that can transfer onto your gear, engine, fire station and home. Fully cover your skin with gear during calls to protect areas that would otherwise be exposed. Make sure to decontaminate your equipment and immediately remove soot from any areas of exposed skin.
• Planned and unplanned chemicals—The flame retardants that your crew uses may contain chemicals that have been linked to other health issues, such as thyroid cancer. Additionally, if you’re in a building with hazardous materials or chemicals and a fire causes them to leak or explode, there is even more potential for cancer-causing substances to enter your skin’s receptors. Once again, the importance of covering your skin with your gear and thoroughly cleaning your protective equipment is unprecedented.

The significance of examination

It’s no guarantee that these safety measures will prevent skin cancer for the members of your team. Cancer can be unpredictable. Make sure to get full-body skin screenings each time you see your doctor and regularly check your skin on your own. Visit the Skin Cancer Foundation to learn how to perform a self-examination. Catching cancer early can help fight it. Thick or thin, your skin is vulnerable. Overall, protecting it will help your efforts to care for others.