Environmental Scan: The National Framework on Cancers Linked to Firefighting

MHST 632, Unit 5

My chosen topic is a workplace health promotion program targeting early detection and prevention of skin cancer among firefighters.

The National Framework on Cancers linked to Firefighting was published in 2024, after legislation (Bill C-224) was enacted in the house of parliament in June 2023 (International Association of Fire Fighters, 2024). This bill supports research associated with the prevention and treatment of occupational cancers among fire fighters in Canada, as well as enables more comprehensive insurance coverage for fire fighters who are diagnosed with a cancer associated with risk factors incurred in their line of work.

To develop the framework, the Minister of Health called upon stakeholders to provide input over an 8 month period in 2023 to 2024. Stakeholders included firefighters, fire service unions, employers, researchers, medical practitioners, and provincial and territorial representation on the perspective of health and labour. Within the scan they reference a separate report that summarizes the engagement process and results.

The National Framework report begins with a summary of the topic and relevant legislation related to firefighters diagnosed with occupational related cancer, followed by an overview of the engagement approach they took to consult stakeholders, which included firefighters, union representation and employers, researchers, clinicians and government (Health Canada, 2024). This National Framework is an environmental scan that includes statistics on cancer among fire fighters, details on the occupational hazards, steps currently being taken to protect them and then the bulk of the report lists six pillars for governments, employers and researchers to consider to move forward. The six pillars are the following:

1. Research on Cancers Linked to Firefighting

2. Research on Cancer Prevention and Data  Collection

3. Training and Education in Health Care Settings

4. Diagnostic Testing for Firefighters

5. Information and Knowledge Sharing

6. Standards on Health and Safety and Workers' Compensation

Overall, this environmental scan would provide a decision maker the relevant information to gain understanding on the current state of cancer among firefighters in Canada and recommendations to improve the situation. There is a small section in the report on diversity, and representation of minority groups such as indigenous and female fire fighters, however, I feel this section could be more robust.

Kylie

References

Health Canada. (2024, October 7). National Framework on Cancers linked to Firefighting [Education and awareness]. https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/environmental-workplace-health/firefighters-health/national-framework-cancers-linked-firefighting.html

International Association of Fire Fighters. (2024, October). Canadian Government Announces Historic Plan on Fire Fighter Cancer. https://www.iaff.org/news/canadian-government-announces-historic-plan-on-fire-fighter-cancer/