Spectrum News interviewed Dr. Jonah Marshall, urologic oncologist with Capital Region Urology, a practice of St. Peter’s Health Partners Medical Associates, about the cancer risks firefighters face from chemical exposure on the job.
“It’s surprising that the number of urologic malignancies is actually extremely high among firefighters, including renal, bladder, testicular, prostate cancers,” explained Dr. Marshall.
Dr. Marshall and the team at Capital Region Urology, in conjunction with St. Peter’s Health Partners’ Cancer Care Center, launched a pilot program in 2022 to provide free cancer screenings for area firefighters. Dr. Marshall says he became aware of the increased risk after treating three firefighters for various types of cancer. All three were from the same fire department in Cohoes.
“These are young, healthy men in their 20s, 30s and 40s. I think it’s really important. These are men and women who are out putting their lives on the line for us and it’s crucial that we look out for them.”
Since its launch, the program has screened more than 100 firefighters in Cohoes, Albany, and Troy.
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