Foundation Works to Reduce Cancer Risk Among Firefighters
The Salah Foundation’s generous support is helping reduce cancer risks among first responders.
Firefighting is an inherently dangerous profession, yet cancer has become one of a firefighter’s deadliest threats.
Firefighters are twice as likely to develop certain cancers from exposure to carcinogens in burning materials that cling to their gear and skin. Some fire suppressants also contribute to cancer risk. Despite cancer being the leading cause of death among firefighters, many remain unscreened or under-screened for preventable cancers.
Thanks to the Salah Foundation’s steadfast support, significant strides are being made to address this critical issue. The Foundation recently donated $300,000 to expand Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Firefighter Cancer Initiative (FCI), which provides targeted cancer prevention and screenings.
“There is no question that our firefighters save lives, but who saves the firefighters?” asked George J. Taylor, board member for the Salah Foundation.
The private family foundation is committed to helping individuals lead healthier, more productive lives and accepts grant applications by invitation only.
“We must support our brave first responders and make their wellness a priority,” said Taylor.
Supporting Mobile Clinics
Led by Erin Kobetz, Ph.D., M.P.H., associate director for community outreach and engagement at Sylvester, Sylvester’s FCI was founded 10 years ago to prioritize firefighter health. The groundbreaking program has been removing barriers by partnering with Miami-Dade and Broward County fire departments to bring cancer screenings, education and medical evaluations directly to fire stations. The initiative meets first responders where they are, accommodating their demanding schedules.
Through earlier support from the Salah Foundation, Sylvester’s FCI deployed two mobile clinic vehicles, which led to the screening of nearly 1,000 first responders since 2022. The latest grant will extend its reach, enabling new partnerships with fire departments across Florida.
“Our funding will help keep our firefighters safe from cancers and other medical issues that are unique to firefighters,” said Taylor.
Firefighter Health Passport
The Salah Foundation’s philanthropy will support the implementation of an electronic health record-based screening passport for firefighters, improving the program’s ability to track screening outcomes and ensure timely follow-up care.
The passport will also standardize data collection across Sylvester’s FCI’s mobile clinics, strengthening the data pool to guide future services and research. Additionally, the grant will fund key upgrades, including two mobile ultrasound machines and educational materials to optimize clinic operations.
Sylvester’s FCI is leading national efforts to raise awareness and reform policies to protect first responders. Led by a multidisciplinary team of scientists, clinicians, occupational health and safety experts, graduate students and support staff, the mobile clinic team is specially trained to work with firefighters.
“We owe so much to our firefighters, who risk their lives to protect us,” said Dr. Kobetz, the John K. and Judy H. Schulte Senior Endowed Chair in Cancer Research. “We are grateful to the Salah Foundation for their unwavering commitment to advancing research and education as we work to safeguard these heroes from preventable health risks.”
Tags: cancer research, Dr. Erin Kobetz, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sylvester Firefighter Cancer Initiative