Sylvester's Firefighter Cancer Initiative Drives Research, Screenings to Protect South Florida First Responders

The program combines research, advocacy and mobile screenings to address elevated cancer risks among firefighters.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The Firefighter Cancer Initiative at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center has spent over a decade researching cancer patterns among firefighters in South Florida, working with local departments to improve prevention, screenings and treatment. The initiative conducts research, advocates for safety changes, and provides mobile cancer screening services directly at fire stations to increase early detection.

Why it matters

Firefighters face elevated risks of certain cancers due to the hazards of their jobs, but the Sylvester initiative is working to better understand these risks and translate research findings into practical safety improvements. By making screenings more accessible, the program aims to catch cancer early and protect those who protect the community.

The details

Research from the Sylvester Firefighter Cancer Initiative has helped identify higher rates of certain cancers among firefighters and examined their gear as a possible link to increased exposure. These findings have driven changes in safety practices, with a focus on the importance of cleanliness. The initiative also operates two mobile screening vehicles that provide primary care and cancer screenings directly at fire stations across South Florida.

  • The Firefighter Cancer Initiative has been operating for more than a decade.
  • The initiative provided mobile screenings earlier this year.

The players

Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center

A cancer research and treatment center in South Florida that runs the Firefighter Cancer Initiative.

Dr. Erin Kobetz

The associate director for Community Outreach and Engagement at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and the principal investigator of the Firefighter Cancer Initiative.

Eric Johnson

A 23-year veteran of the City of Hialeah Fire Department who was treated for cancer at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and now encourages fellow firefighters to prioritize regular screenings.

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What they’re saying

“Sylvesters firefighter cancer initiative is really grounded in the lived experiences of firefighters. They nominate the focus of our research.”

— Dr. Erin Kobetz, Associate Director for Community Outreach and Engagement, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center (CBS News Miami)

“It's amazing that the research has helped catalyze this recognition that clean is actually the badge of honor and. And it doesn't happen without the active engagement of our firefighter colleagues, who we stand shoulder to shoulder with in defining the focus and scope of what we study and more importantly, ensuring those findings translate to actionable opportunity to keep our heroes safe.”

— Dr. Erin Kobetz, Associate Director for Community Outreach and Engagement, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center (CBS News Miami)

“You are the one who gets to see people in despair on a daily basis. And when it's something with yourself, it's surreal. It's not real. It's you have cancer, it's bad, it's spread and it's not looking good.”

— Eric Johnson, Firefighter, City of Hialeah Fire Department (CBS News Miami)

What’s next

The Sylvester Firefighter Cancer Initiative plans to continue expanding its mobile screening services to reach more firefighters across South Florida.

The takeaway

By combining research, advocacy, and direct outreach, the Sylvester Firefighter Cancer Initiative is working to detect cancer earlier and reduce risks for South Florida's first responders, setting an example for similar efforts nationwide.