Advocacy Grows for Inclusion of Female-Specific Cancers in Firefighter Health Coverage

As a retired fire officer from the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Duncan has long advocated for her colleagues who disproportionately face health challenges in their line of duty.

The new legislation introduced “presumptive cancer coverage,” allowing firefighters to receive workers’ compensation without needing to prove that their ailments stemmed from hazardous work conditions.

However, upon closer examination, Duncan discovered a glaring omission: many cancers affecting women, such as breast, ovarian, and cervical cancers, were excluded from coverage.

“It just felt like a slap in the face,” Duncan remarked.

“Why do we still have to remind people that women fight fire?” As vice president of the advocacy group Grassroots Wildland Firefighters, she now spearheads efforts to amend this oversight.

Alongside 16 other organizations, including the National Federation of Federal Employees, they have urged Secretary of Labor Julie Su to include female-specific cancers by December 15.

With women comprising about 16% of the federal firefighting force, the need for equitable health coverage is critical.

The ongoing climate crisis exacerbates hazards, with increasingly destructive wildfires exposing firefighters to toxic smoke and chemicals.

According to the Firefighter Cancer Support Network, around 72% of line-of-duty deaths in 2023 were linked to occupational cancers.

Despite advocacy efforts, the Department of Labor has expressed reluctance, citing insufficient scientific data linking firefighting activities to increased risks of female reproductive cancers.

Duncan argues that existing research often overlooks women’s health issues, leading to inadequate support. “Women shouldn’t have to fight for the recognition and the same equal coverage as men,” she stated.

As cases of rare cancers emerge among women firefighters, such as the story of Kaleena Lynde, who battled stage III ovarian cancer, the urgency to address these disparities becomes more apparent.

Lynde, now a seasoned firefighter, emphasizes that equitable support is vital to ensure that all firefighters can safely perform their demanding roles.

The movement for inclusion is not just about health coverage; it represents a broader commitment to justice and equality within the firefighting community.