We are talking the Big C, Cancer. This is New Zealand’s biggest killer at almost 10,000 (2015 stats) people a year. Men are at a higher risk and sadly firefighters have a higher risk for some cancers. The NZPFU is leading the way in supporting all Firefighters diagnosed with various Cancers.​ We know with all cancers the best chance of survival is to reduce the risk with early detection. With the help from DR Kevin Crume, we wanted to use Blue September as a chance to bring all cancers to the forefront of your mind.
Through research, there are 12 cancers that have been found that firefighters are at increased risk of developing. While a number of these are specific to males it is clear there are increased risks that will likely be as relevant to females. While this research is up to date, this is still early-stage learning, but the principles still apply around prevention and early detection. 

Kevin is passionate about cancer

​See Kevin’s tips to reduce Cancer:

Lungs are massive, if opened flat, they would be almost the size of a tennis court.
  • Protect your lungs - Stay out of the smoke if possible & use the appropriate protection, BA, APR or P2 Dust mask.
  • Wearing a P2 Dusk Mask as soon as you take your BA gear off will stop nearly all smoke particulates and asbestos fibers from getting to your lungs.
Although your skin is excellent at keeping most things out of your body, some carcinogens, like the ones found in smoke, can be absorbed through your skin and processed by your body.
  • Reduce your exposure by wearing light-weight cotton pants and t-shirt under your structural gear. A second layer drastically reduces the deposition on your skin.
  • Wipe your body down with cleansing wipes (eg, baby wipes) as soon as possible if you have been in smoke (yes pump operators too).
  • A warm soapy shower as soon as you can is the best way to clean your skin. It may take several rounds of soap to get clean.
Lastly, our lifestyle choices can contribute significantly to our chances of developing cancer…by as much as 40%! A healthy diet, a bit more exercise, and improved sleep are just a few things we can do to drop our cancer risk, as well as eliminating tobacco use and limiting alcohol intake. 

Blue September is about Prostate Cancer awareness.
With the increased risked to you we wanted to high light some facts and a few home truths;

​Do you know that an active firefighter is at a 28% increased chance of being diagnosed? 1 in 8 men will develop Prostate Cancer. 3600 men are diagnosed each year with prostate cancer, this is on par with breast cancer, but as we all know males aren’t great at talking about medical matters or about themselves. Maori are 72% more likely to die then non-Maori men. If you have a family history, your risk increases by 5-11 times.
61% of men diagnosed have no symptoms when they are diagnosed!
A blood test and a quick check of the prostate by the doctor is all that is needed, which is no worse than a breast scan or cervical smear. It does seem it is our pride that stops us more than anything else from getting checked. But getting over this early and doing it may just be the difference between life or death.
The impact this cancer has can be huge. It takes a real toll on many facets of our life; areas including relationships, finance, careers and families. The impact is also felt by friends & your workplace. There maybe some really unwelcome side effects. Incontinence and erectile dysfunction are two possible long lasting effects. How you support each other can make a huge difference. 
We ask you to help each other. Get yourself checked and if your mates need an ear, be there for them. For more information about Blue September or other cancers please see links below.