ROCKLAND — On Monday and Tuesday, May 5 and 6, the Rockland Fire & EMS Department underwent early diagnostic cardiac and cancer screening procedures with United Diagnostic Services.

"Cancer and cardiac diseases are killing more firefighters than any other cause of death," said City of Rockland's David Troup, in a news release.

"Cardiac and cancer early diagnostic screenings are important to all of us—but to Firefighters they are essential," said Rockland Fire Chief Chris Whytock. "The numbers don't lie. Firefighters are at far greater risk, and early detection is key to successful treatment."

Rockland Fire and EMS (RFD) are partnering with the Maine Fire Chiefs Association to provide this crucial and important process in order to offer screening for Rockland’s first responders. RFD has also secured private funding to cover the $350 out of pocket fee charged to members, ensuring all RFD personnel a free screening process. 

Cancer and cardiac diseases are killing more firefighters than any other cause of death. In 2023, 72% of what is called “Line of Duty Deaths” were related to occupational cancer. The following cancers are at the top of the list for firefighters:

• testicular cancer (2.02 times greater risk)
• multiple myeloma (1.53 times greater risk)
• non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (1.51 times greater risk)
• skin cancer (1.39 times greater risk)
• malignant melanoma (1.31 times greater risk)
• prostate cancer (1.28 times greater risk)
• brain cancer (1.31 times greater risk)
• colon cancer (1.21 times greater risk)
• leukemia (1.14 times greater risk)
• and breast cancer in women (preliminary results).

More information on the cardiac and cancer screening procedures is available at https://udshealth.com/comprehensive-health-screenings-firefighters/