Firefighters dying in record numbers from cancer - report

Firefighters are reportedly dying in record numbers.

They are now pushing for the main killer, cancer, to be recognised as connected to their occupation so they don’t have to fight for ACC compensation.

Around a dozen cancers have been linked to their profession with international research showing they have 102 per cent greater risk of developing testicular cancer, a 28 percent greater risk of prostate cancer and 32 percent of brain cancer.

This week they took to Parliament in an effort to have their high rate of cancer acknowledged.

Alex Forrest is a Canadian firefighter and expert on firefighters occupational cancers.He has been in the country this week to assist the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union.

Alex joined The Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin to share his experience working as a firefighter.

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Following a trial taken in Auckland Central District, and in the interest of providing Firefighters with consistent and quality post fire management, both Counties Manukau and Waitemata Districts have undertaken to rollout Post Fire Management Capability in their Districts. This resource has been funded locally at the request of the Auckland Local.


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