CDC Registry Hits Major Milestone in Firefighter Cancer Research
CDC officials say the National Firefighter Registry for Cancer now includes more than 40,000 participants, strengthening research into occupational exposures and cancer risk.
- By Stasia DeMarco
- Feb 11, 2026
More than 40,000 firefighters across the United States have enrolled in the National Firefighter Registry for Cancer, making it the largest firefighter cancer cohort in the country, federal health officials announced this week.
The registry, led by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), is designed to better understand the relationship between firefighting and cancer. By collecting detailed work histories from participants and linking them to state cancer registry data, researchers aim to identify patterns in cancer incidence and better understand occupational risk factors.
Firefighters are routinely exposed to a complex mixture of hazardous substances, including smoke, diesel exhaust, combustion byproducts, and chemicals released from burning synthetic materials. Previous studies have shown elevated rates of certain cancers among firefighters compared to the general population. However, researchers have long cited the need for more comprehensive, long-term data to clarify how specific exposures, job roles and duration of service may influence cancer risk.
Officials say the registry’s rapid growth reflects strong engagement from the fire service community nationwide.
“This milestone represents more than just numbers,” said Kenny Fent, Ph.D., CIH, who leads the registry effort at NIOSH. “Each firefighter who participates contributes critical information that can help protect the health of those currently serving and future generations of firefighters.”
The National Firefighter Registry is open to all U.S. firefighters, including career, volunteer, and paid-on-call personnel, as well as active, former, and retired members. Structural and wildland firefighters, fire investigators, instructors, and other specialty roles are eligible to participate. Enrollment is voluntary, and firefighters can join regardless of whether they have ever been diagnosed with cancer.
Participants complete an online survey detailing their firefighting history, including department type, years of service, roles, and potential exposures. That information is then securely linked to cancer registry data, enabling researchers to evaluate cancer trends over time.
Researchers say the size and diversity of the registry will allow for more detailed analyses than previously possible. The large cohort may help scientists examine differences in cancer risk across job assignments, geographic regions, fire types, and demographic factors. The data may also inform future recommendations on exposure control, protective equipment, and medical surveillance.
Cancer remains one of the leading causes of line-of-duty deaths among firefighters. Fire service organizations and occupational health experts have increasingly emphasized prevention strategies, including improved decontamination practices, updated turnout gear protocols, and early detection initiatives.
NIOSH officials continue to encourage firefighters nationwide to enroll in the registry, noting that participation from individuals with varied backgrounds and service histories strengthens the quality of research findings.
The agency says expanding enrollment will enhance its ability to identify trends, support evidence-based prevention efforts, and ultimately reduce the burden of occupational cancer within the fire service.
About the Author
Stasia DeMarco is the Content Editor for OH&S.