Screening program for Syracuse firefighters offered

EAST SYRACUSE – On Saturday, May 1, the City of Syracuse is launching a one-stop screening program for firefighters to help identify cancers and heart disease early, when they are easier to treat and potentially curable. Initiated by the Firefighters Cancer Foundation of NY (FFCF), the City’s Personnel Department teamed with Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY (HOA), Crouse Health and CRA Medical Imaging (CRA) to develop the program.
Aptly named 9-1-1: Get Screened Like Your Life Depends on It, the program offers nine medical screenings in one day at one location – 5008 Brittonfield Parkway, East Syracuse – scheduled with just one call.
“Our profession is one that comes with great reward each time we get to help saves lives. It also comes with adverse health effects and a higher risk of being diagnosed with and passing away from cancer due to the type of work we do,” said Syracuse Fire Department Chief Michael Monds. “Since my time as chief under the Walsh administration, it has been a priority to make sure our firefighters frequently have access to cancer screening opportunities. I am grateful that the City gets to partner with Hematology/Oncology Associates of CNY, Crouse Health and CRA Medical Imaging to provide early disease detection services to the brave women and men who are our local heroes.”
Taking into consideration the firefighters’ increased risks for cancer and heart disease, the City of Syracuse lowered the age limits for routine screenings between 10-15 years overall, to provide testing for Syracuse firefighters as follows: Beginning at age 40: Colorectal cancer fecal occult blood test; Prostate cancer blood test; Kidney cancer blood test; Bladder cancer blood test; Electrocardiogram; Cardiac stress test.
Beginning at age 50: Thyroid cancer blood test and Lung cancer low-dose CT scan.
The ninth service offered on May 1 is a cancer genetics survey, available at any age. It determines a firefighter’s risk for hereditary cancer and need for testing, which also is also covered by their insurance.