Mayor Lurie Announces 500,000 Investment in Firefighter Cancer Prevention Screening Program, Prioritizing Health and Safety of San Francisco's Firefighters

Mayor Daniel Lurie announced a $500,000 investment to establish a pioneering firefighter cancer prevention screening pilot in San Francisco. This initiative will provide advanced imaging scans for active-duty firefighters over 40 years old with a minimum of five years of service, addressing a critical health risk faced by firefighters. The program is modeled after a successful initiative by the San Francisco Firefighter Cancer Prevention Foundation and aims to enhance early detection of cancer, which firefighters are disproportionately at risk for due to hazardous exposure. Lurie highlighted the significance of this investment, stating it honors the dedication of firefighters to public safety. The mayor also intends to introduce a legislative measure to secure additional funding through philanthropic contributions to ensure the program's sustainability.

The pilot will incorporate evaluation mechanisms to assess health outcomes and inform future strategies. National research indicates firefighters have a 9% higher cancer incidence and a 14% higher mortality rate compared to the general population, underscoring the urgency of this initiative. By prioritizing firefighter health, San Francisco aims to enhance the well-being of its first responders while maintaining community safety.