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| Moore’s bill encourages bladder cancer screening for all firefighters in the state |
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August 2, 2005 - Legislation sponsored by Senator Richard T. Moore (D-Uxbridge) that establishes a bladder cancer screening program within the Department of Public Health (DPH) was given a favorable report by the Committee on Health Care Financing today. “This bill aims to encourage firefighters to get screened for bladder cancer every year,” said Senator Moore. “It is extremely important to detect bladder cancer early. The survival rate is much higher. In addition, with the data collected through this program, the state can educate and prevent bladder cancer to certain high risk groups.” Senate bill 1301 requires the commissioner of the DPH to establish, promote, and maintain a public information program regarding the incidence of bladder cancer in professional and volunteer firefighters in Massachusetts. The data collected will encourage firefighters to seek medical care for the prevention or treatment of any malignant conditions resulting from occupational exposure to hazardous materials. Additionally, this state program will include, pre-employment testing, annual testing, and other follow-up testing as may be recommended by the department. This screening program will also emphasize the need for annual testing and the need to remain informed about additional developments concerning links between firefighters’ occupational exposure to hazardous materials and bladder cancer. Although there is no known direct cause of bladder cancer, according to the American Cancer Society firefighters and inspectors may be at risk of exposure to dangerous levels of toxins when they remove their masks after a fire. The bill will now go to the Senate Way and Means Committee for consideration. |
