FRIDAY, Aug. 1, 2025 (HealthDay News) -- Occupation as a firefighter is associated with elevated cancer mortality, especially for skin and kidney cancer, according to a study published online July 29 in the International Journal of Epidemiology.

Lauren R. Teras, Ph.D., from the American Cancer Society in Atlanta, and colleagues used data from more than 470,000 men enrolled in a population-based prospective cohort to examine associations between occupation as a firefighter and cancer mortality. Survival time was compared among firefighters and other male participants in the American Cancer Society Cancer Prevention Study-II Cohort using data obtained from surveys conducted among cancer-free individuals with 36 years of follow-up (1982 to 2018).

The researchers observed an association for occupation as a firefighter (compared with other career professionals) with most cancers, which was strongest for skin and kidney cancer mortality (hazard ratios, 1.72 and 1.39, respectively). For prostate and colorectal cancer mortality, suggestive increases were observed with more years as a firefighter. Only after three decades of follow-up was an association with lung cancer apparent. With control for confounders and changes in the referent group to include all nonfirefighter occupations, most associations were attenuated, but associations with skin and kidney cancers persisted.

"Although this isn't favorable news, this study shines a spotlight on the long-term risks firefighters face beyond the immediate dangers of fighting a fire," Teras said in a statement. "Continued efforts to safeguard the health of firefighters by increasing access to cancer screening, early detection, and prevention are paramount."

One author disclosed ties to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.

Abstract/Full Text