5 June 2009
A Monash University study into cancer rates among Queensland's firefighters has found rates of cancer among those in the profession are no higher than in the state's general population.
The study examined the incidence of cancer among 7504 operational full-time and auxiliary firefighters between 1995 and 2006, and compared it with cancer rates across the wider Queensland community.
The results showed the overall rates of cancer were not elevated among active male and female firefighters and the incidence of several specific cancers including malignant and benign brain tumours were not significantly elevated among active male firefighters. There was however an increase in the rate of melanomas among active male firefighters, which was borderline statistically significant when compared to the expected rate in the Queensland community.
Dr Deborah Glass from the Monash Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health (MonCOEH) in the School of Public Health and Preventative Medicine said the results were positive for those in the firefighting profession, helping to alleviate any 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 Monash University study was undertaken at the request of the Queensland State Government following a local study by Queensland Health in 2008, which found an elevated rate of brain cancer amongst staff at the Atherton Fire station.
The main findings of the Monash study included:
Overall cancer incidence in active male firefighters was not higher than expected.
The incidence of malignant brain tumours was not higher than expected in active male firefighters.
Overall cancer rates in women who were active firefighters was not higher than expected.
Melanoma incidence was found in a borderline statistically significant category in active male firefighters.
The incidence of other malignant tumours was not higher than expected in active male firefighters.
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.
The Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council, the peak industry body, has already engaged Monash to investigate the feasibility of such a study.
Dr Glass said a national study would have the scope to investigate more types of cancer over a longer timeframe, and could even examine the broader causes of mortality among firefighters.
Queensland Fire and Rescue Service Acting Commissioner Iain MacKenzie said the national study would provide more definitive direction on the potential for increased risk of cancer among members of the firefighting profession.
"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.
For more information, or to obtain an interview with the researchers, contact Samantha Blair, Media and Communications on + 61 3 9903 4841. | 
