Women firefighters have been found to have an increased risk for several cancers. A 2020 study published in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine demonstrated an increased association of brain cancer, thyroid cancer, and melanoma in female firefighters compared with female workers who were not employed as firefighters in Florida. However, the study points out that more research is needed regarding the extent and causes of cancer among women firefighters. This year, an interview-based, qualitative study published online ahead of print in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine looked into women firefighters' perceptions of occupationally associated cancer risk as well as other health concerns. The study found that women firefighters are concerned about having an increased risk of cancer due to their occupations as firefighters. Specifically, their risk of breast cancer related to personal experiences with breast cancer and knowing other women firefighters diagnosed with breast cancer.

References:

Lee, DJ, Koru-Sengul, T, Hernandez, MN, et al. Cancer risk among career male and female Florida firefighters: Evidence from the Florida Firefighter Cancer Registry (1981-2014). Am J Ind Med. 2020; 63: 285– 299. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajim.23086

Solle, N., Santiago, K., Feliciano, P., et al. Perceptions of Work-Related Health and Cancer Risks Among Women Firefighters. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Publish Ahead of Print.

Perceptions of Work-Related Health and Cancer Risks Among Wo... : Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (lww.com)