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Firefighters at no higher risk of cancer

17 June 2009

A Monash study has helped put Queensland firefighters at ease after a recent cancer scare.

The study was undertaken at the request of the Queensland State Government following a local study in 2008 that found an elevated rate of brain cancer amongst staff at the Atherton Fire station.

It examined the incidence of cancer among 7504 operational full-time and auxiliary firefighters between 1995 and 2006, and compared it with cancer rates in the wider Queensland community.

The results of the Monash study showed that the rates among Queensland's firefighters were no higher than in the state's general population and the incidence of several specific cancers including malignant and benign brain tumours were not significantly elevated.

There was however an increase in the rate of melanomas among active male firefighters, which was "borderline statistically significant" when compared with the expected rate in the Queensland community.

Dr Deborah Glass from the Monash Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health said the results helped alleviate concerns about increased risk of brain cancer among Queensland firefighters.

"Although this is a small study, it should provide reassurance that the overall cancer rate among firefighters is similar to the rate in the general population," Dr Glass said.

The study recommended that a national study of cancer incidence and mortality would provide more power to investigate firefighters' risk of cancer and would provide more information about the exposures that might increase cancer risk.

Queensland Fire and Rescue Service Acting Commissioner Iain MacKenzie said a national study would provide more definitive direction on the potential for increased risk of cancer among firefighters.

“We will continue to work with world-recognised researchers at Monash and take on board any necessary action to ensure we are providing the safest possible environment for our staff," he said.