By Greg Markley / For The Herald
Every day, firefighters put their lives on the line to protect us. But their battle does not end when the flames are extinguished. With every call, our first responders are exposed to airborne carcinogens that dramatically increase their risk of contracting cancer.
The toll cancer takes on firefighters is staggering; 2 out of 3 deaths are attributed to cancer. And firefighters are more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, an usually rare and dangerous lung cancer linked to asbestos exposure. We knew firefighting was a dangerous job when we signed up; but that doesn’t mean it has to stay this way.
Recent advances in cancer screenings could help address this trend, but it’ll take an act of Congress to ensure that these screenings are able to reach those who are most at risk.
We know that catching cancer early is the best way to beat it. Studies show that a person’s chance of survival is significantly higher, and treatment costs are lower, when cancers are caught at earlier stages. But detecting cancer early has historically been a challenge. Most people aren’t treated for cancer until they’re noticeably sick; and by then the cancer has usually progressed to a later stage. Too many of my friends and coworkers’ lives have been cut short because their cancer diagnosis was caught too late.
Multi-cancer early detection tests are transforming how doctors look for cancer. With a sample of a patient’s blood, these tests can detect tumor growth signals in the bloodstream well in advance of a patient experiencing any symptoms. Health systems and fire departments across the country are beginning to recognize the value of these tests and are forming new partnerships to offer them to firefighters.
In the United States, 58 percent of cancer diagnoses are among people over 65. In order for Medicare to cover these tests in a timely manner, Congress needs to act.
We’re fortunate that our elected leaders in Washington, D.C., are working to change that. A broad and diverse bipartisan coalition has emerged in support of empowering Medicare to cover multi-cancer early detection tests once they get the green-light from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act (S. 2085 and H.R. 2407) has an unprecedented 60 co-sponsors in the Senate and 249 in the House of Representatives. Washington’s 5th District Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., has already given the bill a hearing in her powerful committee, where it received strong support. Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., has cosponsored the Senate bill. We’re so grateful to them and others in the Washington delegation who continue to champion this bill.
While the bill is focused on expanding Medicare coverage, which retired and active firefighters across America rely on, it would likely have positive implications for private and employer-sponsored insurance as well. That means many more people could soon see access to earlier cancer detection.
Firefighters are the first to respond to some of the most dangerous situations a person could face. We show up when the alarm goes off. It’s time for our leaders in the other Washington to be there for us with an early warning system to help fight cancer. We’re counting on Congress to pass the MCED Act this year.
Greg Markley is the secretary/treasurer of the Washington State Council of Fire Fighters and a division chief at the Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority in south King County.
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