Cancer Prevention & Early Detection
A national push to catch firefighter cancer earlier — building the tools, screening pathways, and everyday habits that make early detection possible.
The Center for Fire, Rescue & EMS Health Research (CFREHR) has partnered with the Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN) and DetecTogether — sponsored by the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program — on a national cancer prevention and early detection initiative.
FCSN is the leading voice within the fire service on cancer diagnosis and care, driving national advocacy for prevention, early intervention, and treatment.
Detecting cancer early significantly improves survival odds and can make treatment less invasive and less expensive. DetecTogether built 3 Steps Detect, a life-saving early cancer detection program, around exactly that idea — teaching firefighters to baseline their health, recognize changes that could signal cancer, and know when and how to get checked. The program includes a free online education course and a library of health resources built specifically for firefighters.
The goals: reduce firefighter cancer mortality by compiling the latest cancer-risk research, highlighting prevention efforts beyond typical fireground behavior, raising awareness of early warning signs, and expanding S2S's training and resource network.
Two resources below are ready to put to use right now — one built for the individual firefighter, one built for training a crew.
First Responder Resources — DetecTogether
Actionable steps to baseline your health, recognize warning signs, and know when to seek care.
FCSN — Cancer Prevention Informative Videos
Video training built specifically for firefighters, covering prevention, early intervention, and treatment.