Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/1476559
Crouse Medical Practice – Cardiology, Crouse Radiolog y Associates, Empire Dermatology, Fayetteville Dermatology and Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY. SCREENINGS, LIKE SMOKE DETECTORS, SAVE LIVES Cancer is the most dangerous threat to firefighter health and safety, causing 66% of career firefighter line-of-duty deaths (LODDs) from 2002 to 2019 and 70% of LODDs for career firefighters in 2016, according to data from the International Association of Fire Fighters. Heart dis- ease caused 18% of career LODDs for the same period. Firefighters have a 9% higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer and a 14% higher risk of dying from cancer than the general U.S. population, according to research by the CDC's National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety. The most prevalent cancers were respiratory ( lung, mesothelioma), GI (ora l cavity, esophageal, large intestine) and kidney; however, firefighters also have twice the risk of developing testicular cancer and mesothelioma; about 1.5 times the risk of developing multiple myeloma, non-Hod- gkin's lymphoma and skin cancer; and about 1.25 times the risk of developing malignant melanoma, brain cancer, pros- tate cancer, colon cancer and leukemia. Most screenings — which include testing for colorectal, prostate, kidney, bladder, thyroid and lung cancers, as well as EKGs, cardiac stress tests and cancer genetics screening surveys according to age and circumstances — can be completed during annual Firefighter Screening Days, but individuals can make appointments that are more convenient for them. Since 2005, the nonprofit Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN) has assisted and provided one-on-one men- toring to thousands of cancer-stricken firefighters and their families. FCSN also delivers cancer awareness and prevention training nationwide. For more informa- tion, visit firefightercancersupport.org/ resources/faq. UPDATED REIMBURSEMENT POLICIES SURE TO IMPROVE LUNG CANCER SCREENING RATES E a rl i e r t h i s y e a r, t h e C e nt e r s for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released a detailed summary of expanded reimbursements involv ing low-dose computed tomog raphy screening for lung cancer. FIREFIGHTERS: CR A MEDICA L IM AGING TA LK S A BOU T FIREFIGHTER HE A LTH, LOW-DOSE CT MEDICA RE E X PA NSION BY MARTHA CONWAY Get screened like your life depends on it CR A MEDIC A L IM AG ING, one of the largest diagnostic imaging practices in Central New York, strives to deliver the best care for the best patient outcomes possible. CRA Medical Imaging has zeroed in on a particular population: Firefighters. Cancer is the leading cause of line-of-duty deaths for firefighters, followed by heart disease. The Syracuse municipal health plan offers firefighters earlier access to potentia lly life-saving screenings, which are offered in collaboration with 1 6