British Columbia Professional Fire Fighters (BCPFFA)

Change starts with US. Shifting the culture in the fire service can reduce exposure to carcinogens and protect the health of fire fighters. From clean gear policies to safe practices on the fire ground, and annual health screenings, every step counts. Call to Action: Advocate for safer practices, lead by example, and support efforts to prioritize health and safety in your department. Together, we can create a culture that protects fire fighters. International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) #CancerAwareness #BCPFFA #FireFighterHealth #EndCancer

Access Now! The BC Fire Fighter Occupational Awareness Training (BCFFOAT) program is here! Thank you to the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions for their vital support in funding this initiative, advancing our mission to provide BC’s fire personnel with resources to recognize and manage stressors early for better health outcomes. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gw2t7Ujb #FireChiefsAssociationofBC #FireOfficerTrainersAssociationofBC #BCWS #BCPFFA #BCMSA #FRH #BCWildFire #MinistryofMentalHealthandAddictions #VFFABC

Join the British Columbia Professional Fire Fighters (BCPFFA) in raising awareness about the increased cancer risks fire fighters face and the importance of prevention, early detection, and access to treatment. Learn more about how we're advocating for fire fighter health. Visit: https://lnkd.in/gxqQpGR5

Fire fighters are used to being the ones who help, not the ones asking for help. When a member of your team faces a cancer diagnosis, department and peer support can make all the difference. From meal deliveries and shift adjustments to emotional check-ins and celebrating milestones, small actions create a big impact. Call to Action: Let’s foster a culture of empathy and action in our fire service. Share this post and take steps to support the fire fighters who give so much to protect us. International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) #CancerAwareness #BCPFFA #FireFighterHealth #EndCancer

🚒 Decon: A Lifesaving Routine After every fire, toxic carcinogens linger on gear, skin, and equipment—putting fire fighters at risk of cancer, the leading cause of death in the fire service. Decontamination saves lives. But fire fighters need more than clean gear—they need PFAS-free equipment, regular health screenings, and comprehensive cancer coverage. Stand with those who stand for us. Advocate for their health and safety! International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) #CancerAwareness #BCPFFA #FireFighterHealth #EndCancer

The BCPFFA, in partnership with many important stakeholders, remains committed to reducing occupational cancer risks and ensuring the health and safety of every fire fighter in British Columbia. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gxqQpGR5 International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Firefighter Cancer Support Network Fire Chiefs Association of BC

Great article spotlighting Athena, a cancer survivor and fire fighter from West Vancouver Fire & Rescue West Vancouver Firefighters (IAFF 1525). Thank you BC Cancer Foundation for helping spread awareness about the increased risk of cancer for fire fighters in Canada. https://lnkd.in/ga_EXWFj International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) BC Cancer Foundation

Fire fighters face an increased risk of reproductive cancers due to exposure to toxic chemicals and carcinogens on the job. 👩🚒 For Women: Elevated risks of breast, cervical, and ovarian cancers, often linked to endocrine-disrupting chemicals and poor-fitting PPE. 👨🚒 For Men: Higher risks of prostate and testicular cancers, connected to hazardous exposures during firefighting activities. These risks are not just statistics—they're the reality fire fighters face daily. It’s time to prioritize prevention, better protective equipment, and life-saving research. Call to Action: Advocate for stronger safety measures and health protections for fire fighters. Share this message to raise awareness and support those who protect us every day. International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) #CancerAwareness #BCPFFA #FireFighterHealth #EndCancer

🚨 The Hidden Threat 🚨 Fire fighters risk their lives to protect us, but the danger doesn’t stop at the fire ground. Toxic PFAS chemicals in their gear increase their risk of cancer—making cancer the leading cause of occupational-related death among fire fighters in Canada. Behind every uniform is a person, a family, and a future. It’s time to fight for awareness, prevention, PFAS-free gear, regular screenings, and comprehensive cancer coverage. Let’s protect those who protect us. International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) #CancerAwareness #BCPFFA #FireFighterHealth #EndCancer

For Fire Fighters, Presumptive Law means: If diagnosed with cancer, it's presumed to be caused by on-the-job exposure to carcinogens. The employer must prove otherwise. Presumptive laws make it easier for fire fighters battling cancer to get: workers’ compensation, medical expense coverage, disability or retirement benefits, family benefits, like spousal support or lost wages. How Local Affiliates Can Support Members with Cancer: 1) Provide Comfort: Be there for members and their families, both at work and home. 2) Be Informed: Understand presumptive laws and workers’ compensation processes. 3) Advocate: Push for cancer insurance and paycheque protection plans. 4) Promote Prevention: offer cancer awareness and prevention training. Encourage exposure documentation after every call. Collaborate on best practices for reducing exposure risks. Take Action: Advocate for stronger presumptive laws and support fire fighter health initiatives in your community. Learn more and share to spread awareness. Together, we can make a difference. International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) #CancerAwareness #BCPFFA #FireFighterHealth #EndCancer