3 Tips to Prevent Breast Cancer in Female Firefighters

Pursuing a career as a firefighter is rewarding. You can earn between $36,863 and $79,984/year, and even more if you work overtime. Besides the compensation, firefighters enjoy job security and a flexible work schedule. No wonder females find firefighting an attractive field to kickstart their careers. 

Working as a firefighter is lucrative, but firefighters are exposed to different types of cancers. Their exposure to carcinogens during firefighting operations and leading an unhealthy lifestyle make them susceptible to cancer. 

Of all the cancers, breast cancer has become a matter of concern among female firefighters. About 25.4% of firewomen reported being diagnosed with breast cancer. Quite shockingly, the average diagnosis age wasn’t high; in fact, it was 39.0 years. 

As a female firefighter, you are at an increased risk of developing breast cancer. However, the good news is that there are several steps you can take to mitigate your breast cancer risk. Here, we’ll discuss some actionable tips that can help you safeguard your health.

1 Wear PPE During all the Phases of Firefighting

Personal protective equipment, or PPE, is a non-negotiable for firefighters, and firewomen are no exception. You must wear PPE throughout the firefighting operation. It will protect you from flames, smoke, and heat. 

Smoke from a fire contains carcinogens or cancer-causing agents, such as asbestos, arsenic, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Exposure to these substances via inhalation can increase your risk of breast cancer. But if you wear proper-fitting PPE, you can minimize your exposure to them. 

From the initial response to post-fire cleanup, you must wear your turnout coat, pants, helmet, gloves, and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) throughout firefighting operations. Even during overhaul and cleanup, you must not skip wearing PPE. Residual toxins pose a risk, but you can reduce exposure to them using PPE. 

2 Decontaminate Your Gear and Exposed Body Parts After Every Operation

When you’re extinguishing a fire, you’re exposed to toxins. Many of them are carcinogenic. Take, for example, AFFF. Firefighters are exposed to AFFF during firefighting operations. Aqueous film-forming foam, or AFFF, is highly effective in dousing flammable liquid fires. 

Recent studies, however, link AFFF to a host of cancers, including breast cancer. The foam, TorHoerman Law reveals, contains PFAS that are linked to several types of cancers, including breast cancer. A case-controlled study in the Chinese population disclosed that PFAS exposure is a risk factor for breast cancer in America and Europe. 

A large number of firefighters have filed the AFFF lawsuit since studies have linked it with breast cancer. How many female firefighters have filed the suit is unclear, but over 8,000 lawsuits are filed. DuPont, 3M, Tyco Fire Products, and Chemours are some companies sued by firefighters. 

Plaintiffs, in their AFFF litigation, allege that the makers of the firefighting foam failed to warn them about the risks of PFAS despite knowing. Thus, exposure to the chemical while using the foam caused cancer. 

Your likelihood of exposure to PFAS and other toxins will be minimized only if you decontaminate your gear and exposed body parts. 

Soapy water can help remove toxins from your gear, but a chemical detoxifier would be your best bet. As soon as you exit the fire scene, decontaminate your gear. Apply the solution all over your gear, wash it, and store it in a sealed bag before placing it in your firetruck. 

To decontaminate yourself, use body wipes. Use them to wipe away toxins from exposed body parts. Oh, and we forgot to mention, don’t take off your SCBA until the decontamination procedure is complete. It will prevent you from inhaling carcinogens. Make sure you take a shower as soon as you reach the station to further minimize your risk of breast cancer. 

3 Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Firefighters must lead healthy lifestyles so that they can discharge their duties safely and effectively. Yet, the lifestyles of most firefighters are unhealthy. 

Numerous focus group studies demonstrated that firefighters have a poor diet when dining at the firehouse. They consume large portions of unhealthy comfort foods, red meat, and sugary foods. Many even smoke and drink alcohol in excess. All this can increase your risk of breast cancer. That is why maintaining a healthy lifestyle is paramount for firefighters. 

Consume a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains. It will strengthen your immune system and support overall health. Make sure you exercise regularly. Being active can reduce your chances of breast cancer by 20%. 

Also, cut back on alcohol consumption. Women who drink three alcoholic beverages per week are at a 15% increased risk of developing breast cancer. Instead of alcoholic drinks, opt for non-alcoholic beverages. 

To sum things up, female firefighters—due to the nature of their jobs—are at high risk of breast cancer. You can, however, mitigate your risk by following the practices discussed here. 

Regular screenings should be prioritized, but you must also conduct a self-examination of your breasts to detect abnormalities. All this will not only help you safeguard your well-being, but will also allow you to serve your community with confidence. 

Related Articles: 

• Why Breast Care is Vital for Optimal Health
• 5 Things You Should Be Doing Right Now for Optimal Breast Health
• How to Reduce Your Risk of Getting Cancer