A new study out of the University of the Fraser Valley shows firefighters have an 86% higher chance of dying from cancer than any other disease or injury. That includes cardiovascular disease, traumatic injury or respiratory disease.
The study looked at the health, injury and death data for firefighters over a 10 year period -- and concluded the biggest factor was likely exposure to harmful carcinogens at fire scenes.
Victoria Deputy Chief Dan Atkinson isn't surprised. He's a cancer survivor himself:
"In our department you know, you alluded to the fact that I myself am a cancer survivor. Just last year we lost retired Chief Doug Angrove to brain cancer. And we currently have 2 retired members that are currently engaged in their own battle right now with cancer as well.
Researchers found firefighters over 65 were the most likely to die from cancer, and those between of 55 to 59 were most likely to submit a claim for time lost to cancer than any other age bracket.
Atkinson says things are moving in the right direction with efforts to mitigate exposure to carcinogens in the first place, implementing proper decontamination procedures, and ensuring members are using proper protective equipment.