Mayor Lurie Announces $500,000 Investment in Firefighter Cancer Prevention Screening Program, Prioritizing Health and Safety of San Francisco's Firefighters

SAN FRANCISCO – Mayor Daniel Lurie today announced a $500,000 investment within his proposed budget to launch a first-of-its-kind firefighter cancer prevention screening pilot, aimed at improving early detection and saving lives among San Francisco’s first responders. This groundbreaking pilot will be administered by the San Francisco Fire Department (SFFD) and modeled after the successful cancer screening program developed by the San Francisco Firefighter Cancer Prevention Foundation (SFFCPF). The pilot will offer cutting-edge imaging scans and screening for active-duty firefighters over age 40 with at least five years of service—screenings that are typically not covered by insurance.

Today’s investment builds on Mayor Lurie’s work to strengthen SFFD, support San Francisco’s first responders, and keep our city safe and healthy. The mayor recently signed legislation to pave the way for upgrades to the SFFD fleet, helping firefighters get the tools they need to do their jobs safely and effectively. Since appointing Dean Crispen as SFFD chief on his second full day in office, Mayor Lurie has supported the city’s emergency preparedness work—launching a new “ReadySF” emergency preparedness campaign and participating in a multiagency preparedness exercise at Fireboat Station 35 in January.  

“When the rest of us run away from danger, San Francisco’s firefighters run toward it. You are the protectors of our city, and now, we’re here to protect you,” said Mayor Lurie. “I’m proud to announce this investment for cancer screenings for firefighters across San Francisco. We know screenings save lives—when we catch cancer early, it drastically increases the survival rate of our firefighters. This investment is about honoring the people who dedicate their lives to protecting ours.”

“The scourge of cancer affects the everyday life of the San Francisco firefighter. Whether it’s attending a funeral or a hospital visit to an afflicted member, we are constantly faced with the devastating effects of this disease,” said SFFD Chief Dean Crispen. “Our mayor has shown incredible understanding by including comprehensive cancer screening for our members in the city budget. This will lead to early detection and proactive treatment that will directly affect our members’ lives. Mayor Lurie and San Francisco, thank you!”  

To ensure the pilot is fully funded and sustainable, Mayor Lurie will also introduce legislation in partnership with Board of Supervisors President Rafael Mandelman, District 1 Supervisor Connie Chan, and District 3 Supervisor Danny Sauter to allow him to raise additional funds through behested philanthropic contributions. Over the next year, the Mayor’s Office will work closely with International Association of Fire Fighters Local 798, the San Francisco Firefighter Cancer Prevention Foundation, and the Fire Department to design the pilot in advance of its launch. 

The program will include evaluation mechanisms to assess health outcomes, inform long-term strategies, and potentially scale the model for broader use.

Firefighters face higher cancer risks than other professions due to exposure to toxic substances during fire suppression and hazardous material response. National research indicates that firefighters have a 9% higher incidence and a 14% higher mortality rate from cancer compared to the general population. In San Francisco, the SFFCPF program this pilot program will be modeled after demonstrated high participation and effective early detection, identifying cancers that might have otherwise gone undiagnosed until more advanced stages.

“Our firefighters risk their lives every day to protect San Franciscans—it’s our duty to protect theirs in return,” said President Mandelman. “This investment in cancer screenings is about saving lives and honoring the service of those who show up for San Francisco in our most vulnerable moments. I’m proud to work with Mayor Lurie to make this pilot a reality.”

“San Francisco firefighters put their lives on the line every day to protect us from fires and other disasters, and in the process expose themselves to cancer-causing agents in the air and in their protective suits,” said Supervisor Chan. “This legislation to expand cancer screening recognizes the sacrifice of not just our firefighters but their families who risk secondary exposure. It is an important preventative measure to protect the livelihood of our firefighters and their families.”

“I see the bravery of our San Francisco Fire Department every day in how they show up for our communities. Now it's time that we do the same for them in the most critical issue of all: their health and wellbeing,” said Supervisor Sauter. “Our firefighters shouldn't have to choose between financial concerns and early detection that could save their lives–this measure ensures they have access to the preventive care they deserve.”

“Since 2006 the San Francisco Firefighters Cancer Prevention Foundation has been dedicated to early detection and prevention of cancer in our San Francisco firefighters,” said Tony Stefani, SFFCPF President. “With cancer now as the leading cause of ‘in the line of duty’ deaths, early detection is more important than ever. We are extremely pleased that a new line item in the budget will provide funding for yearly cancer screenings. This will have a profound, positive effect on the health of the men and women who protect our great city.” 

“Cancer is the leading cause of death among firefighters, and we know that right here in the San Francisco Fire Department we've lost more than 300 first responders to this deadly disease over the past 20 years,” said Sam Gebler, Vice President of San Francisco Firefighters Local 798. “Daniel Lurie is the first mayor who has truly recognized this crisis and stepped up to provide essential funding for cancer screenings and early detection that will save countless firefighter lives. The men and women of the SFFD are extremely grateful for his leadership on this critical issue.”