As a young, physically-fit firefighter at the Spring Fire Department, senior captain Matt Corso had never given much thought about cancer. But that changed when a health screen mandated by the department detected an abnormal lump on Nov. 9, 2016. “I had no symptoms,” Corso said. “I was a very healthy person prior to all of this.” Corso underwent additional testing at a local hospital, and on December 1, 2016 he was diagnosed with Stage 2 testicular cancer. A few weeks later, he began chemotherapy. “The Spring Fire Department saved my life,” said Corso, who is now free of cancer. Since 2016, the department has required annual LifeScan Wellness screenings for all employees—including volunteers, administration staff and part- and full-time firefighters—after losing one of its volunteer captains to cancer in 2015, he said. The health screenings help to identify the risk of illnesses such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes. The process includes blood work, an ultrasound and a lifestyle consultation. Now the department is working to not only detect but prevent cancer and other diseases in firefighters through a variety of measures, such as removing carcinogens, or cancer-causing substances, from the skin and supplying additional protective gear. “We are trying to be one of the leaders on this [firefighter health] initiative, at least in this area,” Corso said. Firefighters could be more susceptible to cancer due to exposure to hazardous chemicals, according to a study conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Healthy. The study, which was published in 2013, found firefighters to have higher rates of respiratory, digestive and urinary systems cancer compared to the U.S. population. The study also observed a twofold increase in malignant mesothelioma, a form of cancer that affects the lining of internal organs, among firefighters. Firefighters are frequently exposed to asbestos, an insulator that is commonly used in buildings and is the only known cause of malignant mesothelioma, according to the study. In 2016, the Spring Fire Department began implementing measures to remove carcinogens and other contaminants. For example, it added a dry sauna with stationary bikes for firefighters to use after a fire. “The idea is to sweat off the toxins,” Corso said. In addition, industrial washing machines are located at every fire station to remove contaminants from gear, he said. The department is also aiming to equip all firefighters with two full sets of firefighting gear, which would give them a clean set in case of back-to-back fires, he said. Currently, all but about five of Spring’s 163 firefighters have two sets, and Corso said he expects the remaining gear to arrive by the end of this year. All of the department's firefighters have two sets of gloves and hoods, which protect the face and neck. Although the Spring Fire Department is focusing on cancer prevention among its staff, Corso said early detection could be a lifesaver for everyone. “I suggest everyone get some sort of testing done,” he said. “Be an advocate for yourself.” Editor's note: The name of the screening provider has been updated to LifeScan Wellness.