New York’s Bravest are taking on one of their most personal battles yet.
The FDNY is teaming up with the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) and the Firefighter Cancer Support Network Saturday to offer free skin cancer screenings for smoke-eaters at the fire academy on Randalls Island.
Firefighters face a 21% higher risk of melanoma — the deadliest form of skin cancer — compared to the general public, sobering data cited by the AAD shows.
The danger stems from absorbing or inhaling cancer-causing substances while battling blazes.
“The fight against cancer is deeply personal to every one of us in the FDNY,” Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh said in a press release.
“We know screening and prevention can make a difference. Our members’ health and safety are of utmost importance, and we encourage our members to get their skin checked annually. We are grateful to participate in the Firefighter Skin Cancer Checks Initiative.”
Since launching its first screening event on September 30, 2023, the FDNY and its partners have already provided free screenings to over 300 firefighters.
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The screenings identified 78 potential or suspected cases of cancer, underscoring the critical need for ongoing vigilance and care, the FDNY said.
Saturday’s event, however, marks the launch of the AAD’s Firefighter Skin Cancer Checks Program, a nationwide campaign aiming to provide 10,000 firefighters with free skin cancer screenings by 2026.
At the Randall’s Island Fire Academy, FDNY firefighters and top dermatologists from the AAD will be on hand to offer insights into spotting the early signs of skin cancer and discuss the unique risks New York’s heroes face.
