Crowley Fire hosts esophageal cancer screening event for firefighters

Crowley firefighters receive esophageal cancer screening

The Crowley Fire Department is taking steps to protect its firefighters from one of the job's hidden dangers.

Firefighters have higher cancer risk from foam, firefighting apparel

When a firefighter is battling a blaze, the flames can burn, falling timber can bruise and break, but health risks to first responders extend well beyond when the fire is extinguished.“If you look at the average person getting cancer in this country, their age is 68. When you look at firefighters, it’s 48,” said Dr. Richard Brown, senior advisor of Oncology Services and former medical director for cancer care services at Sarasota Memorial Hospit…

Crowley Fire hosts esophageal cancer screening event for firefighters

The Crowley Fire Department held a "Check Your Food Tube" event Tuesday, offering firefighters a screening opportunity for esophageal cancer, which officials describe as the profession's biggest occupational health threat.Crowley Fire Department Driver Olivia Richard said firefighters are 62 percent more at risk for esophageal cancer. She said exposure to carcinogens during house fires through breathing fumes and skin contact contributes to that…