Researchers: Utah firefighters may be at higher risk for skin cancer

Researchers: Utah firefighters may be at higher risk for skin cancer

(Laura Seitz, Deseret News)


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SALT LAKE CITY — Local firefighter Jeff Cunningham has to remember quite a bit of gear when he's running toward a fire.

His dermatologist is hoping he remembers sunscreen, though he admits, at the time, "it's not one of my biggest worries."

New research suggests maybe it should be, as firefighters might be at a higher risk than the general population (up to 80 percent more) for developing skin cancer and other cancers. It is unclear whether increased sun exposure is entirely to blame, as firefighters are also exposed to a variety of harmful chemicals in their daily duties.

"Firefighters spend a lot of time outside, not in their firefighting gear," said Dr. Sarah Cipriano, a dermatologist at the University of Utah. "They're not always fighting fires, they are doing so many other things, so many other good things, and they deserve to be protected from the sun while they're doing it."

Cipriano was drawn to the issue when her twin brother, who is a firefighter in Los Angeles, had two basal cell carcinomas removed from his face. She recalls visiting the station where he works and seeing the crew outside, either working on their trucks, running drills or representing the department at various community events. In most cases, they were not protecting themselves against sun exposure.

The case is similar for firefighters in Utah, though potentially more harmful, as the higher elevation means greater exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays.

Utah has the highest occurrence of melanoma and the greatest number of deaths from it each year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

U. dermatologist Mahsa Karavan, principal investigator of a study involving skin cancer screening of more than 100 Salt Lake firefighters this week, said that not only the altitude, but a more fair-complexioned people in the area and their love of the outdoors and being active also increases the risk for skin cancer.

"It's an unfortunate situation," she said, adding that 1 in 5 people is expected to develop skin cancer in their lives.

On top of that, Karavan said, U.S. public health campaigns haven't done a great job educating people about the dangers of getting tan, using tanning beds and using sunscreen correctly and even for short periods of time spent in the sun.

"It's a hassle to put it on, we know this, but sunscreen is the greatest tool we have," she said. "The majority of the population could put on sunscreen and prevent skin cancer."

With at least two team members diagnosed with skin cancer recently, Salt Lake Fire Battalion Chief Mike Fox said additional training and awareness has become a priority. Each is also encouraged to watch an educational video created for firefighters by the U. dermatology department.

Salt Lake City firefighter Lisa Demmons gets a cancer screening from from Dr. Mahsa Karavan, a dermatologist at the University of Utah, at the Public Safety Building in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2016. The U. dermatology department provided the free skin cancer screenings. Firefighters can have up to an 80 percent increased risk of melanoma as compared to the general population. (Photo: Laura Seitz, Deseret News)
Salt Lake City firefighter Lisa Demmons gets a cancer screening from from Dr. Mahsa Karavan, a dermatologist at the University of Utah, at the Public Safety Building in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2016. The U. dermatology department provided the free skin cancer screenings. Firefighters can have up to an 80 percent increased risk of melanoma as compared to the general population. (Photo: Laura Seitz, Deseret News)

"We are taking as many steps as possible to ensure sunscreen is a part of their daily routine," he said, adding that wipes containing sunscreen, as well as smaller samples of sunscreen are stashed in the trucks for easy application.

Fox said gear is no longer stored in living quarters, and firefighters are encouraged to shower soon after returning from fighting fires, as "there are all kinds of chemicals in the smoke."

"Fires burn hotter and faster and with more chemicals these days," he said. New, fabricated and synthetic building materials have changed how things are made, but also how they burn.

Salt Lake firefighter Lisa Demmons said she's aware of the issue and is more vigilant about applying sunscreen on herself and her son. She's also had basal cell carcinoma removed from the end of her nose, requiring surgery to attach skin there from her scalp.

She took advantage of the free skin cancer screening for firefighters on Wednesday at the Public Safety Building and said she was glad to see so many of her colleagues and friends taking it seriously as well.

"It's a good reminder to be more cognizant of the problems that can arise," Cunningham said, adding that, as a firefighter, "it's a balancing act" of priorities. But he'll try now, to be more proactive.

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