Menu
Log in
Log in

Welcome to CalDerm's new website! Members, please log in by clicking the blue icon in the top right corner. Use the email associated with your membership to reset your password and complete your account setup. Enjoy a seamless experience with improved access to exclusive member resources, event updates, and more!


CalDerm, in partnership with the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), the Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN), and the Andy Valenta Melanoma Foundation, is dedicated to keeping firefighters healthy through its Skin Cancer Prevention Program. This initiative provides free skin cancer screenings to firefighters, who face an increased risk due to occupational exposure, and promotes early detection and prevention to safeguard their health.

CalDerm Launches Firefighter Skin Cancer Screening

What We Know

  • Firefighters in the U.S. have a 9% higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer and a 14% higher risk of dying from cancer compared to others their age.
  • Studies in Nordic and Australian firefighters show increased melanoma rates at younger ages.
  • Research confirms that firefighters face a higher risk of melanoma, with studies showing increased incidence and mortality.
  • A 14-year follow-up study of 9/11 World Trade Center responders found a higher rate of melanoma.
  • Firefighters are regularly exposed to carcinogens like benzene and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin.

How We Help

Our mission is to raise awareness and provide free skin cancer screenings for California firefighters. By educating firefighters about the signs and symptoms of skin cancer and offering on-site screenings at fire stations, California dermatologists have the opportunity to give back to those who protect us.

Through local fire station partnerships, dermatologists can provide:
✔️ Free skin cancer screenings at fire stations
✔️ Educational materials from the SPOTme Skin Cancer Program (AAD)
✔️ Free sunscreen (when available)
✔️ Information on NFORS (National Fire Operations Reporting System) Exposure App, which helps firefighters track their work history and exposure risks.



Want to Help or Get Screened?

Contact us today to volunteer or schedule a screening!

Sources:

1.     Daniels, RD, Kubale TL, Yiin JH et al. Mortality and cancer incidence in a pooled cohort of US firefighters from San Francisco, Chicago and Philadelphia (1950-2009).  Occup Environ Med 2014; 71:388-397.
2.     Pukkala et al. Cancer incidence among firefighters: 45 years of follow up in five Nordic countries.  Occup Environ Me3d. 2014 Jun; 71 (6);3989-404. 
3.    Jalilian et al. Cancer incidence and mortality among firefighters. Int J Cancer. 2019  Nov 15:145(1): 2639-2646.
4.    Laroche et al. Cancer incidence and mortality among firefighters: An overview of epidemiologic systemic reviews.  Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021. 18:2519.  
5.    Li et al. Cancer incidence in World Trade Center rescue and recovery workers: 14 years od follow up. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2022 Feb 7:114(2): 210-219. 
6.    Lemasters et al. Cancer risk among firefighters; a review and meta-analysis of 32 studies. J Occup Environ Med. 2006 Nov;48(11): 1189-202.
7.    National Firefighter Support Network.  Accessed on 4/2/2022

 .

California Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery

201 E Center St Ste 112 PMB 3148
Anaheim, California 92805
United States

866.337.3376

staff@calderm.org

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software