The Silent Killer Impacting Lubbock Firefighters and First Responders

The City of Lubbock is celebrating a recent miracle after a Fire and Rescue lieutenant underwent surgery to become cancer-free and is scheduled to be back in action soon. The saving grace that spotted this deadly disease in the first place? The Life Scan support program.

What is Life Scan?

Created to support first responders across the country, Life Scan Wellness Centers provide annual checkups for heroes who risk their lives with toxic fumes and dangerous environments.

Long-term heat exposure, excessive smoke inhalation, and the mental toll from repeated trauma can all harm first responders in three categories: cancer risks, heart disease, and deteriorating mental health.

Life Scan reminds us that firefighters have a 68% higher risk of developing cancer than the general population. On top of that, 63% of all firefighters will get cancer of some form.

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This is why Life Scan provides comprehensive physical exams to spot cancer growths early before any long-term damage can occur.

Lubbock Firefighter Life-Saving Exam

This was the case with Lubbock's Lieutenant Brett Assiter who served over 30 years in fire and rescue services. Lt. Assiter was recently diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma, a common form of kidney cancer. Thanks to the physical exam provided by Life Scan, the cancer was caught and surgically removed.

The City of Lubbock website mentions new approaches taken to mitigate the rate of cancer among firefighters. One such method is by supplying clean gear, coats, and gloves to firefighters in critical environments.

This way they can change out of their dirty equipment covered in smoke and other carcinogens immediately after the threat is contained. By doing so, fire stations and the firefighters' homes can remain clean and risk-free.

It's important to remember the long-term risks that threaten all firefighters and first responders. Let's celebrate this Lubbock hero's recovery and continue to improve on life-saving measures for our local responders!