(MyKeeneNow) In New Hampshire, firefighters now have a new resource to help combat cancer, which remains the leading cause of death in their profession.

Governor Chris Sununu enacted Senate Bill 352 on Tuesday, mandating cancer screenings for both active and retired firefighters.

“The dangers of being a fire fighter go beyond running into a burning building, and today, New Hampshire is taking a leading role in having the backs of these heroes,” said the governor. “This cancer screening program will have a lifesaving impact. New Hampshire’s fire fighters are the best of the best.”

This legislation positions New Hampshire as the first state in New England to introduce an early detection cancer screening pilot program specifically for firefighters.

The rise in cancer-related fatalities among firefighters is attributed to their exposure to smoke and toxic chemicals on the job.

The bill received strong bipartisan support in both legislative houses.

The new law allocates $5 million for a two-year pilot program offering one-time cancer screenings. This program includes blood tests, ultrasounds of vital organs, and potential lung scans.

Officials aim to use the data collected from this pilot program to create an effective long-term cancer screening strategy.

Firefighters are increasingly concerned about their exposure to carcinogenic substances.

Studies by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health indicate that U.S. firefighters face a 9 percent higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer and a 14 percent higher risk of dying from it compared to the general population.

Swanzey Fire Chief Eric Mattson admitted he was unaware of the bill. “If this raises awareness about the cancers firefighters face, it’s encouraging to see this level of support,” he remarked. He also mentioned that their station is designed to keep firefighting gear, equipment, and vehicles separate from office spaces, meeting rooms, and living quarters.

The separation helps keep carcinogen-containing or producing items away from personnel, Mattson added. Like most stations, the Swanzey station has an extractor to clean the clothing worn into building fires, ensuring gear remains as clean as possible.

Across the state, fire departments have both active and retired firefighters who are battling cancer.

In Keene, Fire Lieutenant Aaron “Coop” Cooper’s lung cancer diagnosis in April 2023 led to the launch of the Project Mayday initiative by him and other members of the city fire department. This project aims to enhance workplace health by advocating for improved physical and mental well-being within the department.

A committee will be formed to evaluate the results of the program, including the number of individuals tested and their outcomes.