15 presumptive cancers, and funding to screen approximately 500 current Utah Firefighter each year for the next three years. Presumtive cancers: bladder, brain, colorectal, esophageal, kidney, leukemias, lung, lymphomas, melanomas, mesotheliomas, oropharynx, ovarian, prostate, testicular, and thyroid.
Local city governments and municipalities must cover the cost of screening the qualifying firefighters in their departments each year.
Active Utah firefighters aged 40 or older or at least eight years of service in Utah.
Check that your fire department has completed and returned the digital form requesting firefighter information from UFRA.
All Utah firefighters will be reviewed, and a priority scale will be used based on age and years of service to determine those at high risk. A board will review and determine the order of screenings using the rating matrix.
Note: This screening will not replace the annual 1582 exam.
HB65 covers ~500 tests per year for the next three years. Philanthropic efforts will provide additional funds. FEMA grants awarded to departments and regions can provide additional screenings. *We are working to aquire funds through philanthropic and other opportunities for retired Utah firefighters to receive screenings at no cost.
HB65 mandates that screening must start by January 1, 2026, but the Utah Firefighter Cancer Taskforce is working diligently to start by the fall of 2025.
The University of Utah/Weber State University's Rocky Mountain Center for Occupational & Environmental Health: 250 E 200 S, Salt Lake City *MRI & CT scan sites to be determined.
A joint task group consisting of members from the Utah Fire and Rescue Academy, the Utah State Fire Chiefs Association, the Professional Firefighters of Utah, the Rocky Mountain Center for Occupational & Environmental Health, and Utah fire service personnel
Our recommended early cancer detection protocols
Together, we will find financial support to provide screenings for our Utah firefighters
by working with state officials, federal grants, donations, and philanthropic opportunities.
Through education and research opportunities, we will cultivate a culture of preventative
action, gain knowledge and understanding of best practices, and implement improved
cancer prevention training.
We will stand with those affected by illness and provide a community of support. As
advocates for our fellow brothers and sisters within the fire service, we will look
for ways to make a positive difference as they navigate any diagnosis.
“Our intent is to inform and assist Utah state firefighters, leaders, and personnel about firefighter cancer preventive resources and testing. We will support this effort with philanthropy, legislation, grant applications, and other funding efforts. Our hope is to give each Utah state firefighter the information and opportunity to get tested to preserve and/or improve their quality of life.”
