The College of Family Physicians of Canada needs to be aware of this reality, and needs to successfully communicate this information to all medical colleges across Canada.
Furthermore, we know that oncologists, that is to say doctors who specialize in the treatment of cancers, are not fully aware of the reality faced by firefighters in terms of the nature and seriousness of cancers. Statistical data shows that the risk of developing cancer among firefighters is somewhat higher than in the rest of the population, with percentages of 53% or 54% respectively compared to 44%. Most regrettably, the chances of survival are lower for firefighters than for the general population, with the risk of dying from cancer being 14% higher for firefighters than for the rest of the population.
The severity, progression, development and footprint of cancer are greater and more significant in firefighters than in the general population. The great advantage of early detection of cancer is that it can be cured or treated in its early stages, which gives firefighters a better chance of survival.