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Approximately 34% of firefighters screened are being referred for a biopsy due to concerns about skin cancer. An alarming statistic!
Research shows that firefighters in the United States are 9 percent more likely to be diagnosed with cancer and 14 percent more likely to die of cancer compared with age-matched cohorts. Furthermore, melanoma occurs earlier in male firefighters, as young as their 30s.
Including Screenings at 2 International Conferences!
CA Firefighter Skin Cancer Coalition Recruits Member Dermatologists to Screen at a Fire Station in Their Community.
In Less than Five Minutes, Firefighters Who Choose to Be Screened, Complete Their Screening.
If Needed, Firefighters Are Provided Dermatologists in Their Community to Receive Further Care.
With a lot of heart and a few logistics,
The first ever Firefighter Skin Cancer Screening took place in Boston. A local dermatologist, Dr. Christine Kannler lost her brother, a Firefighter, to workplace cancer.
Determined to make easy access to skin cancer screenings, Dr. Kannler began providing Firefighter Skin Cancer Screenings to local fire stations. One year later, California, inspired by her work, began screening firefighters throughout our great state.
Similar to Dr. Kannler’s efforts on the East coast, we will screen every firefighter in California, saving lives and inspiring a movement nationwide with zero cost to firefighters and fire departments.
The screenings provided by the Coalition are invaluable. This was a life changing and, in a few cases, lifesaving program for our membership. All of the volunteers that worked during our screenings were extremely professional and friendly. The Sacramento Fire Department would like to thank everyone involved in this program for their dedication and devotion to their profession.
Our program is 100% volunteer based. We rely solely on donations to make our mission happen. If you would like to support our program, and help us screen more firefighters across California, please consider donating!
Donations will be processed through our 501(c)(3) Andy Valenta Melanoma Foundation. All donations are tax deductible. I’m grateful for your support!
The goal for our community of dermatologists and partners is to screen every firefighter in California for skin cancer, free of charge.