Prevalence and predictors of colon and prostate cancer screening among volunteer firefighters: The United States Firefighter Cancer Assessment and Prevention Study

• Published in: American journal of industrial medicine 2024-05, Vol.67 (5), p.483-495
• Main Authors: Shah, Nimit N., Steinberg, Michael B., Calkins, Miriam M., Caban‐Martinez, Alberto J., Burgess, Jefferey L., Austin, Elena, Hollerbach, Brittany S., Edwards, Derrick L., Black, Taylor M., Black, Kathleen, Hinton, Kaleigh M., Kubiel, Brian S., Graber, Judith M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cancer screening; Colon; Colon cancer; Colorectal cancer; Criteria; Demographics; Early Detection of Cancer; Education; Fire protection; Fire services; Firefighters; Fires; Guidelines; Health risks; Humans; Male; Medical screening; occupational cancer prevention and control; Perception; Prevalence; Prevention; Prostate cancer; Prostate-Specific Antigen; Prostatic Neoplasms - diagnosis; Prostatic Neoplasms - epidemiology; Prostatic Neoplasms - prevention & control; Public health; Risk perception; United States - epidemiology; Volunteers
• ISSN: 0271-3586; 1097-0274
• DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23582

Background Although firefighters have increased risk for colon and prostate cancer, limited information exists on screening practices for these cancers in volunteer firefighters who compose two‐thirds of the US fire service. We estimated the prevalence of colon and prostate cancer screening among volunteer firefighters using eligibility criteria from 4 evidence‐based screening recommendations and evaluated factors influencing screening. Methods We evaluated colon (n = 569) and prostate (n = 498) cancer screening prevalence in a sample of US volunteer firefighters using eligibility criteria from the US Preventive Services Taskforce (USPSTF), National Fire Protection Association, American Cancer Society, and National Comprehensive Cancer Network. We assessed associations with fire service experience, demographics, and cancer risk perception based on USPSTF guidelines. Results For those eligible based on USPSTF guidelines, colon and prostate cancer screening prevalence was 51.7% (95% CI: 45.7, 57.8) and 48.8% (95% CI: 40.0, 57.6), respectively. Higher odds of colon and prostate cancer screening were observed with older age and with some college education compared to those with less education. Fire service experience and cancer risk perception were not associated with screening practices. Conclusion This is the first large study to assess colon and prostate cancer screening among US volunteer firefighters based on different screening guidelines. Our findings suggest gaps in cancer prevention efforts in the US volunteer fire service. Promoting cancer screening education and opportunities for volunteer firefighters by their fire departments, healthcare professionals, and public health practitioners, may help to address the gaps.