Cancer is a leading cause of death for firefighters: What are Utah lawmakers doing about it?

Published Feb. 25, 2025

Cancer is the leading cause of death for firefighters, with repeated exposure to smoke, soot, chemicals, and other carcinogens putting firefighters at greater risk for certain cancers.

In 2025, the Utah Legislature unanimously passed H.B. 65, sponsored by Rep. Casey Snider, to strengthen protections for firefighters facing occupational cancer. The legislation expanded the number of cancers presumed to be caused by firefighting from four to 15 and established a statewide program to provide firefighters with regular cancer screenings.

Under the law, the Rocky Mountain Center for Occupational and Environmental Health will conduct regular screenings aimed at detecting cancer earlier, when treatment can lead to better outcomes. The state will cover the cost of the screenings for the program’s first three years before participating fire departments assume the cost.

Lehi Fire Chief Jeremy Craft knows firsthand what early detection can mean. Craft was diagnosed with prostate and renal cancer after participating in a cancer screening conducted as part of the research behind the legislation. He credited early testing with giving him a better chance at successful treatment.

Utah leaders said the program is intended not only to protect firefighters in the state, but also to serve as a model for other states looking to address occupational cancer in the fire service.

Read the full story at Deseret News.