Sylvester Brings Life-Saving Colorectal Cancer Screening to South Florida Firefighters
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center is bringing advanced colorectal cancer screening directly to South Florida firefighters, using research‑driven outreach, AI‑assisted colonoscopy and coordinated care to detect cancer earlier and save lives.
As a South Florida firefighter exposed to dangerous toxins in the call of duty, Joel Moniz understands the life-saving importance of colorectal cancer screenings.
“I’m a firm believer in taking care of yourself, so it was time for me to get my first colonoscopy,” said the 50-year-old Lauderhill Fire Rescue captain.
Moniz is one of the region’s first responders taking advantage of special Colorectal Cancer Screen-a-Thon program from Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of UHealth — University of Miami Health System. “I already survived one bout of cancer, so my advice to other firefighters is simple. Get yourself screened. It pays off for you and your family.”
Why Firefighters Face Higher Colorectal Cancer Risk
Sylvester’s firefighter outreach initiative aims at reducing the incidence of colorectal cancers, the second leading cause of cancer deaths among U.S. adults.
“Early-stage colorectal cancer has a high survival rate, but outcomes drop sharply when diagnosis is delayed,” said David Kerman, M.D., associate professor of digestive health and liver diseases at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. “Our goal is to break down the barriers and make the screening process as simple as possible.”
Since 2015, Sylvester has engaged first responders through its Firefighters Cancer Initiative, providing collaborative screening, education and support services, while researching risk factors and identifying cancer prevention strategies.
“First responders represent a uniquely vulnerable population,” said Erin Kobetz, Ph.D., M.P.H., associate director for community outreach and engagement, vice president for health promotion and chief well-being officer at Sylvester. “We provide ongoing screenings, physicals and important health information to our robust network of firefighter partners.”
Expanded Colorectal Cancer Screening
Last year, Sylvester conducted a one-day colorectal screening initiative at UHealth’s Doral facility for about 20 members of the Coral Springs Fire Department.
“From the moment I walked into the University of Miami, I felt like I was in good hands,” said Christopher Bator, division chief for the Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department. “The staff treated me with same professionalism and respect we try and show the public on every call. The team at the University of Miami truly understands the occupational risks firefighters face and that means a lot to me.”
Drawing on that success, the Sylvester team expanded the colorectal cancer screening program to the approximately 60 South Florida fire departments in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Monroe counties. That led firefighters like Moniz to schedule screenings throughout March, which is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
“We know firefighters lead busy lives and colorectal cancer screenings are not top of mind,” said Toni Leavitt, D.N.P., A.P.R.N., executive director for care coordination at University of Miami Hospital and Clinics. “So we have put a focused program in place to identify firefighters who are eligible for screenings. Then, our nurse navigators can reach out to them to discuss the importance of getting a colonoscopy and guide them through the process.”
For instance, nurse navigator Reza Aguilar strives to address any misperceptions about colorectal cancer screenings and assist with insurance coverage and the placement of a colonoscopy order, following up with pre-procedure information and reminders.
Why Colonoscopy Remains the Gold Standard for Early Detection
Colorectal cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed malignancies, with rising rates among younger adults, according to Dr. Kerman. Screenings are recommended starting at age 45 for average risk and age 40 for firefighters and others at high risk due to environmental, genetic factors or those with family history of GI cancers. Early-stage cancers often have no symptoms, but rectal bleeding, abdominal pain or unexplained weight loss can be a sign of a serious problem that needs immediate medical attention.
While there are several ways to screen for colorectal cancers, Dr. Kerman said colonoscopies are considered the “gold standard” because any polyps found in the lining of the colon can be removed immediately before they could become cancerous. He added that 20% to 25% of adults will have a polyp at age 45 and the risk increases with aging.
“At Sylvester, we perform colonoscopies every day at our downtown, Doral, Lennar and SoLé Mia facilities,” said Dr. Kerman. “Once a patient arrives at Sylvester, we deliver top-of-the-line care to firefighters and all our other patients. For instance, we are now using artificial intelligence on the video screen to detect polyps and high-definition scopes to visualize them more clearly. We also look at genetic risk factors in patients with a family history of gastrointestinal problems. In all these ways, we are fulfilling our mission as South Florida’s National Cancer Institute-designated center.”
Research‑Driven Programs Target High‑Risk Communities
Sylvester’s community outreach initiatives like the Colonoscopy Screen-a-Thon are driven by in-depth research to identify high-risk groups and neighborhoods. A key tool is Sylvester’s proprietary SCAN 360 platform, which can filter data by 18 cancer types.
“We analyze aggregate patient data to see patterns of cancer incidence,” said Natasha Schaefer Solle, Ph.D., RN, research associate professor of medical oncology at the Miller School. “After we launch a screening program, we then study the results in order to maximize the effectiveness of new initiatives.”
For instance, Sylvester’s outreach team found that firefighters were more likely to get colorectal cancer screenings when offered to an entire department with support from leadership.
“We shared our findings at state and national firefighter conferences,” Dr. Solle said. “That sparked a great deal of interest in among departments in other locations, multiplying Sylvester’s cancer-fighting impact on a national level.”
Reflecting on the importance of colorectal cancer screenings in vulnerable populations, Dr. Kobetz said, “Our multidisciplinary team works closely with firefighters and other communities to develop and implement programs that lead to life-saving positive outcomes.”
More from Sylvester’s Firefighter Cancer Initiative
The epidemiologist works with community stakeholders throughout Florida to to develop and oversee implementation of the State Cancer Plan.
Sylvester researchers validated a wipe test to detect PFAS on firefighter gear, revealing contamination on every set tested.
Dr. Erin Kobetz and Dr. Alberto Caban-Martinez speak with Dean Henri Ford about the cancer risks firefighters face.
Sylvester’s FCI aims to prevent and reduce cancer risk among firefighters and support those who have been diagnosed with the disease.
Tags: cancer research, cancer screening, colonoscopy, colorectal cancer, Dr. David Kerman, Dr. Erin Kobetz, Dr. Natasha Schaefer Solle, Newsroom, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sylvester Firefighter Cancer Initiative