RELEASE: Gottheimer Reintroduces Bipartisan Legislation to Provide Early Detection Cancer Tests for Firefighters
WASHINGTON, DC — Today, February 26, 2025, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) reintroduced the bipartisan Firefighter Investments to Recognize Exposure to Cancer Act, known as the FIRE Cancer Act, to ensure that firefighters across the country — regardless of whether they’re volunteer or full-time — have access to multi-cancer early detection tests at no out-of-pocket cost.
The bipartisan FIRE Cancer Act is co-led by Representatives Mike Lawler (NY-17), Laura Gillen (NY-4), and Don Bacon (NE-2).
Full text of the FIRE Cancer Act can be found HERE.
Firefighters are often exposed to toxic chemicals at high levels, including cancer-causing carcinogens present during their emergency responses and at the fire station on their turnout gear. Between 2002 and 2019, cancer caused 66% of line-of-duty deaths. Firefighters have a 9% higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer and a 14% higher risk of dying from cancer than the general American public.
“Everyone knows about the immediate dangers our firefighters face when they run into a burning building. But, what’s not talked about nearly enough is the silent killer they come home with after putting out a fire. Early cancer detection saves lives. We must provide our brave first responders with the resources to access this critical testing,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), a member of the bipartisan Congressional Fire Services Caucus. “The FIRE Cancer Act ensures that if you are a firefighter, you can be screened for cancer on a regular basis at no out-of-pocket cost. Our first responders always get our backs — we must pass this bipartisan legislation to ensure we get their backs too.”
“Firefighters aren’t just fighting flames—they’re also battling higher rates of cancer,” said Congressman Don Bacon (NE-2). “Our heroes put their lives at risk for our safety, and now we can step up for them. I’m proud to co-sponsor the FIRE Cancer Act, providing volunteer and professional firefighters with free access to cancer prevention programs and early detection testing. Together, we can help protect those who protect us.”
“Cancer continues to be the leading occupational illness affecting firefighters, including thousands of my constituents who bravely ran towards the Towers to save lives on 9/11,” said Congresswoman Laura Gillen (NY-4). “I’m proud to join my colleagues in re-introducing the bipartisan FIRE Cancer Act, which provides early cancer screenings without out-of-pocket costs for our firefighters who put themselves in harm’s way every day to keep our communities safe.”
“Folks in my district know that our firefighters are the backbone of our communities. They run into burning buildings while the rest of us run out—risking everything to save lives. They endure toxic chemicals and the threat of life-altering health issues every single day. We cannot allow them to fight this battle alone. The FIRE Cancer Act is a lifeline for those who put their lives on the line for the rest of us, ensuring they can access life-saving cancer screenings and preventative care without the burden of costs. It’s time we do right by our heroes, protect their health, and give them the fighting chance they deserve,” said Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17).
The FIRE Cancer Act is endorsed by the New Jersey Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association, the International Association of Fire Fighters, the Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey, the New Jersey State Firemen’s Association, and the National Association of Government Employees.
“The Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey (PFANJ) and the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) have prioritized the fight against occupational cancer, the leading cause of death among firefighters, in our agendas and our many meetings with Congressman Gottheimer,” said PFANJ President Matthew Caliente. “Our commitment to securing cancer screenings for New Jersey’s career firefighters has grown into a national effort through Congressman Gottheimer’s FIRE Cancer Act. This bill will provide access to vital screening for all firefighters nationwide. We deeply appreciate Congressman Gottheimer’s recognition of this critical threat to our members’ health and his dedication to forging bipartisan solutions for the betterment of our firefighters and our country.”
“Fire fighters endure countless exposures to carcinogens on the job and need every opportunity to stay healthy. Giving fire fighters the tools to identify cancer at its earliest stage allows them the best chance of beating our occupation’s most deadly threat. The IAFF applauds Reps. Gottheimer, Bacon, Gillen, and Lawler for their leadership in introducing the FIRE Cancer Act, and we urge Congress to stand with us in our fight against this disease,” said International Association of Fire Fighters General President Edward A. Kelly.
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