The Fire Fighter Cancer Cohort Study: Protocol for a Longitudinal Occupational Cohort Study

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Environmental Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Firefighters face elevated risks for cancer and other health issues.
• Understanding specific exposures and mechanisms is crucial for developing protective measures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct community-engaged research within the fire service to evaluate and reduce firefighter exposures.
• To understand and mitigate factors contributing to increased cancer and health risks.
• To establish a long-term, multicenter prospective cohort study for firefighters.

Main Methods:

• Utilizes a fire service oversight board, data coordinating center, exposure assessment center, and biomarker analysis center.
• Employs surveys and biological samples (blood, urine) for exposure and effect biomarker analysis.
• Collects data and samples at enrollment, after exposures, and at regular intervals.

Main Results:

• Enrollment began in 2018, with over 6200 participants from 275+ departments across 31 states as of September 2024.
• Includes diverse firefighter groups: structural, wildland, airport, women, trainers, and investigators.
• Published results cover exposure measurements and toxic effects, with findings shared with participants.

Conclusions:

• The FFCCS is a unique, community-engaged prospective cohort study for the fire service.
• Results aid in evaluating exposures, effects, and interventions across the US fire service.
• Findings have broad national implications for firefighter health and safety.