Sounding the alarm: The experience of occupational cancer in fire families

Firefighters face significant occupational risks, including exposure to carcinogens that have been linked to high rates of cancer within this profession. Between 2005 and 2016, 86% of occupational fatality claims in Canadian firefighters were related to cancer. Firefighters are exposed to carcinogens not only through direct exposure to hazardous materials, but also through the protective gear they wear, which can contain harmful substances like polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The impact of cancer extends beyond the individual firefighter to their family members, who serve alongside their loved ones and experience the compounding factors that shape their daily lives and life course, including the risk of death or serious illness/injury. However, there is limited research and support available for firefighter families navigating the challenges of occupational cancer. This critical gap presents an opportunity to develop family support resources to assist fire families in managing the unique combination of lifestyle dimensions they face. The proposed doctoral research aims to explore the experiences of firefighters, their families, and existing literature to understand how fire families can be better supported while navigating the complexities of occupational cancer.