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Brothers and Sisters,
I hope this email finds you well as we head into the Memorial Day weekend. While we’re all looking forward to some rest and time with family, I want to share something truly important that could protect your health and the future of your family.
We have a special opportunity for early detection screening for esophageal pre-cancer — a screening that is non-invasive, covered with zero out-of-pocket cost to you, and specifically targeted toward firefighters.
Why This Matters to Us
Firefighters face significantly elevated cancer risks due to our occupation. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies firefighting as a Group 1 carcinogen. According to NIOSH data, we have:
- A 62% increased risk of developing esophageal adenocarcinoma
- A 39% increased risk of dying from it
The Firefighter Cancer Support Network reports an even higher 80% increased risk of developing this cancer. These numbers are sobering, but early detection can change the outcome.
How to Get Screened
To qualify and participate, please take just a few minutes to complete this brief Google Form:
? Click Here to Complete the Screening Questionnaire
The form includes a short overview of why this screening is so important and asks questions based on Highmark’s Risk Factor criteria. Completing it is the first step toward getting screened.
Important financial details:
- There is no out-of-pocket cost for the test.
- Lucid Diagnostics submit a claim to insurance, but you have zero financial responsibility — even if insurance denies the claim or doesn’t cover the full cost. This guarantee will be provided in writing for every firefighter screened.
A Message from Steve Dorsey
Brother Steve Dorsey, IAFF Local 734, who has been open about his battle with esophageal cancer, strongly supports this effort and wants to personally encourage every at-risk member to participate. Here’s his message:
"It will never happen to Me".......Yes, those famous words. The truth is, most of us will be diagnosed with cancer at some point, while active, or after retirement. My cancer, Esophageal, is the fastest growing cancer diagnosis in the United States, and the second most deadly, with a 5-year survival rate of 20%, but drops to 5% for a Stage IV diagnosis.
But, the statistics for firefighters are startling......Firefighters have a 62% higher rate of Esophageal Cancer than the general population, and a 39% higher mortality rate. These are stunning statistics. Most Esophageal Cancers are not diagnosed until an advanced stage is reached...
The EsoGuard test is designed to detect changes in the cells lining the esophagus early, before cancer cells form, so you can be treated BEFORE you are at risk. It is one of only a few tests that can PREVENT cancer. It is non-invasive, easily performed by trained technicians, and results are available within a few weeks.
I wish that the EsoGuard test was known and available to me... I whole-heartedly encourage every member of the BCFD to get tested, you never know."
You can read more about Steve’s story in this recent New York Post article: Firefighter Battling Stage 4 Cancer Had ‘Very Benign’ Symptom
Retirees – This Includes You
Retirees, we especially want you to participate. Many of you worked during eras with far less protective equipment and safety standards. You also typically meet the age-related risk factors. For those over 65, this test is covered by Medicare as a once-in-a-lifetime screening.
We can organize a hybrid event for active members and retirees together.
Next Steps
Please complete the form as soon as possible so we can gauge interest and schedule accordingly. Lucid Diagnostics typically needs about 4 weeks of lead time. Based on the responses, we can get moving to schedule testing as soon as possible. Once dates are confirmed, they will be sent out to the membership.
This is a rare opportunity to take proactive control of your health with a test that could literally save your life. I strongly encourage every member and retiree who may be at risk to participate.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly.
Stay safe this weekend, take care of yourselves and each other.
In Solidarity,
Josh Fannon, President
IAFF Local 964 Baltimore Fire Officers
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