Greater Napanee Fire Department will be donning pink this October as part of their bunker gear in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a perfect opportunity for men and women to advocate in their fight against breast cancer, which affects firefighters personally and as a recognized occupational cancer for firefighters. This month GNFD are wearing pink flash hoods as part of their firefighting gear and T-shirts to help raise awareness and work toward a cure for both firefighters and the community.
Firefighters routinely encounter toxic substances during emergency responses and in the gear they wear, and this increased exposure has made cancer a leading cause of death among firefighters. Research suggests firefighters are at higher risk of certain types of cancers when compared to the general population. GNFD’s involvement helps educate the public about occupational hazards and underscores the urgent need for protective measures and stringent safety protocols.
By actively participating in cancer awareness initiatives, firefighters in Canada not only promote early detection and prevention but also contribute to de-stigmatizing the conversation around this pervasive disease. This is one part of the three big annual cancer-related campaigns that GNFD supports; the Terry Fox Run (September), Breast Cancer Awareness (October) and Movember (November). Once again next month the Napanee department will be creating a team to help raise funds while growing a moustache as part of Movember.