Sylvester Firefighter Cancer Initiative
Who We Are
In 2015, we launched the Firefighter Cancer Initiative through Florida state funding. Then and now, our goal is to understand how cancer impacts firefighters. We also want to find novel, evidence-based methods for reducing their risk. Our multidisciplinary team of scientists, healthcare practitioners, and occupational health and safety experts uses community-engaged approaches to ensure we put firefighter voices and experiences first.
We work closely with firefighters to develop and implement our projects, and we're proud to say that our work has led to tangible, positive changes in the fire service.
Together, FCI and its partners are making the fire service safer.
Welcome to The Firefighter Cancer Initiative. We're glad you're here.
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CARES To-Go Mobile Clinic
Education
FCI Apps and Tools
Research-Backed Methods to Reducing Firefighter Cancer Risk
Firefighters face increased cancer risk due to the very nature of the profession. From soot and smoke to the very gear that protects them from fires. That’s why in the 10 years since FCI launched, we’ve made it our mission to tailor our research in meaningful ways.
Take decontamination practices for example. Research shows that field decontamination using dish soap, water, and scrubbing was able to reduce PAH contamination on turnout jackets by a median of 85%. Through our green bucket intervention, which includes dish soap, scrub brushes, and wipes for firefighters to wash off their gear before leaving a scene, we were able to supply more than 4,000 fire trucks with decon buckets across the State of Florida.
That’s the value of research-backed firefighter cancer reduction strategies.
To learn more about our completed projects, check out our published research papers or our past research projects.
To learn more about our research efforts, view our projects and published research papers.
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Newsletter
2026 Virtual Research Summit
Turning Evidence into Action: Cancer Prevention, Early Detection and Survivorship in the Fire Service
This year, in lieu of our annual International Fire Service Cancer Symposium, Sylvester’s Firefighter Cancer Initiative (SFCI) will host a 2026 Virtual Research Summit. Join us from the comfort of your home, office or station for the latest in fire service cancer research.
February 27, 202610 am - 2 pm
Agenda
All Times are Local
Program is subject to change
| 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM | Florida's Priorities in Firefighter Cancer Prevention |
Florida State Fire Marshal's office |
| 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM | Cancer Survivor Story: Firefighter Cancer Support Network |
Firefighter Cancer Support Network |
| 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM | Firefighter Cancer Epidemiology and Cancer Surveillance |
University of Miami |
| 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM | Innovations in Preliminary Exposure Reduction |
Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Coral Springs Fire Dept Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue |
| 12:15 PM - 12:45 PM | Cancer Screening Recommendations |
University of Miami |
| 12:45 PM - 1:15 PM | Hidden Hazards: Cancer Risk in Fire Investigation |
Pacific Pointe Consulting, Inc. Fire Group New Hanover County Fire Rescue |
| 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM | Grant Funding through your Department |
In Command Consulting MDFR |