Women Firefighters Battling Reproductive Cancers Finally Gain Access to Federal Support

In a groundbreaking development for women firefighters, the Federal Employees Compensation Program has formally included certain reproductive cancers in its presumptive cancer coverage. This policy shift, announced Monday, affects federal firefighters with at least five years of service who are diagnosed with breast, ovarian, or cervical cancers, acknowledging the health risks they face due to their profession.

The decision reflects an increased awareness of the unique occupational hazards encountered by female firefighters, who often work in stressful conditions and are exposed to various hazardous chemicals. “This policy change acknowledges the unique occupational hazards faced by women firefighters and ensures they receive the care and support they deserve,” said Christopher Godfrey, director of the Office of Worker Compensation Programs (OWCP).

The decision comes nearly three years after coverage was extended to cancers predominantly affecting men, such as testicular and prostate cancer. Advocates, including those from organizations like Women in Fire, pushed for this change to ensure women firefighters received similar protections, highlighting the past requirement for them to prove a direct link between their cancer and firefighting duties.

Kareena Lynde, a 22-year firefighting veteran, is one of the many women who have faced these challenges. After battling aggressive ovarian and cervical cancers, she emphasized the importance of recognizing the health issues specific to female firefighters. “Our cancers that affect us should be acknowledged, just like any cancers that only affect men,” Lynde stated.

Research has been crucial in shaping this policy. While just 12 percent of wildland firefighters and 5 percent of all career firefighters are women, recent studies have begun to uncover the health impacts of firefighting on women. Sara Jahnke, a senior scientist at the Center for Fire, Rescue and EMS Health Research, noted that increased research funding and advocacy efforts have brought new health data to light.

Recent findings indicate various factors, including chemical exposures and shift work, which contribute to the increased cancer risk among firefighters. The OWCP collaborated with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health to evaluate the latest evidence supporting this policy change.

The implementation of this new coverage has significant implications. Previously, many firefighters turned to crowdfunding and nonprofit organizations to address medical expenses, often leading to burdensome financial struggles. “You’re not going to be stuck with a potentially six-figure medical bill for you or your family to take care of,” said Pete Dutchick, a volunteer with Grassroots Wildland Firefighters, expressing optimism about the future of these firefighters.

With rising medical bills now partially alleviated, the focus shifts to improving workplace morale and addressing the ongoing shortages in the firefighting workforce. As wildfires continue to threaten communities, effective support for firefighters is more critical than ever. “In order to take on that challenge, we need a really robust and talented workforce,” Dutchick concluded.

As this policy takes effect, women’s contributions to firefighting are receiving the recognition they deserve, marking a transformative step towards equity within the field.