The Hour, Norwalk, Conn.
(TNS)
Apr. 16—As of May 1, the state will add free enhanced cancer screenings to firefighters enrolled in the state employee health plan and partnership plan, Gov. Ned Lamont recently announced.
The new benefits will provide about 900 firefighters out of about 27,000 statewide with free access to a full-body scan once every two years. The screenings are designed to detect cancers early— often before symptoms appear —when treatment is more effective, and outcomes are significantly better, according to a news conference with Lamont and Comptroller Sean Scanlon.
The screening is in response to bills introduced in the legislative session that brought attention to the increased risk of cancers for firefighters and requests for a pilot program for regular screenings in paid and volunteer departments.
Bill sponsors, such as state Rep. Michael Quinn D- Meriden, have advocated for more testing and protective gear for firefighters after evidence shows that firefighters, due to their repeated exposure to smoke, toxic chemicals in the line of duty, have a greater prevalence of cancer diagnoses and cancer-related deaths than the general population.
Quinn's bill had numerous speakers provide testimony in support of paid screenings and was eventually voted out of committee and to the treasurer's office. The screenings are expected to cost the state about $150,000 annually.
The early detection saves more in costs associated with later-stage cancers and the hardship placed on firefighters, their families and their departments, Quinn and other supporters said.
"It's a step in the right direction," Quinn said. "None of it's free, but it's negligible compared to other costs."
Quinn said municipalities whose firefighters are not covered in the state program should be providing regular screenings and working to secure clean equipment and gear. This includes clean cabs that separate contaminated gear after a fire, gear washers, and back up gear to reduce exposure.
Dozens of firefighters in Connecticut have filed a federal lawsuit saying their gear contains cancer-causing chemicals, known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS. There are also bills this session calling for the removal of these chemicals from firefighters' gear, equipment and apparatus.
PFAS are a group of thousands of synthetic chemicals — also dubbed "forever chemicals" — used in various products, including cookware, food packaging, and firefighting foams, and carry potential health risks.
Manufacturers are working to develop safer gear, but separating, washing and better equipment along with early cancer screenings can dramatically improve outcomes, Quinn said.
The state's firefighters union worked closely with state officials on the screening program.
"Unfortunately, there is growing prevalence of cancer in firefighters, but early detection saves lives, and it saves our families — by blood and by profession — immense grief and hardship," Peter Brown, president of the Uniformed Professional Fire Fighters Association of Connecticut, said in prepared remarks. "This new healthcare offering is a critical step forward in securing firefighter health and wellbeing."
Jeffrey Bond is a retired physician assistant, volunteer firefighter and EMT for the Burlington Volunteer Fire Department who has researched the cancer risks among firefighters.
"Occupational cancer is killing firefighters in Connecticut and across the country," Bond recently testified before the General Assembly's Public Safety and Security Committee.
A recent report showed United Diagnostic Services did ultrasound testing in eight Connecticut fire departments. Of those 935 screenings, there were 146 high risk findings, or 16% of those screened, he said.
"Firefighters face a 9% increase in a cancer diagnosis, and a 14% increase in cancer related deaths," Bond said. "In 2017, the Connecticut State Commission of Fire Prevention and Control estimated that there were 26,800 firefighters in Connecticut, 22,350 were volunteer and 4,450 were career firefighters."
Bond is pleased with the measure because it's the first time officials recognized screenings are necessary, but he is concerned the screenings are abdominal ultrasounds that don't pick up everything. It also doesn't cover the screening needs of firefighters in cities and towns not covered by the state insurance.
"It's a good test for health, a poor test for cancer screening," Bond said. "There is a lot more work to do. You need the right test at the right time."
Bond had hoped to get a comprehensive screening program enacted that is backed by science. He is working with other out-of-state union workers and oncologists with Hartford HealthCare to devise an effective pilot program that can be expanded statewide.
"I'm glad they're doing it but they are missing about 90%," Bond said. "There was no input from an oncology group. We're going to keep working on rolling out a true screening program with the Burlington Fire Department and Hartford HealthCare."
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