Booker Introduces Legislation to Help Prevent Cancer Among Firefighters

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) introduced the Firefighter Investments to Recognize Exposure to Cancer (FIRE Cancer) Act of 2026, legislation to protect firefighters from occupational cancer by allowing fire departments to use federal Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) to establish cancer prevention programs, including multi-cancer early detection testing, preventative screenings, and research. The legislation would authorize $700 million in dedicated funding for these efforts.

"A firefighter's courage doesn't end when the fire is out," said Senator Booker. "Long after the sirens fade, many continue to bear the invisible consequences of repeated exposure to toxic carcinogens. It is unacceptable that those who dedicate their lives to protecting our communities face such devastating health risks simply for doing their jobs. The FIRE Cancer Act is about honoring that sacrifice with action-expanding access to early detection, prevention, and research so we can better protect those who have always protected us."

Firefighters experience significantly higher rates of cancer than the general population due to repeated exposure to toxic chemicals and carcinogens while responding to fires and other emergencies. Occupational cancer remains one of the leading long-term health threats facing firefighters.

Specifically, the FIRE Cancer Act of 2026 would:

• Allow Assistance to Firefighters Grant recipients to establish firefighter cancer prevention programs, including multi-cancer early detection testing and other preventative screenings.

• Authorize up to $1,750 in grant funding per firefighter for multi-cancer early detection and other preventative tests.

• Authorize $700 million in dedicated funding for firefighter cancer prevention grants.

• Establish a voluntary partnership between FEMA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to collect anonymized, de-identified cancer screening data to improve research on cancer trends and occupational exposures among firefighters while protecting participants' privacy.

The FIRE Cancer Act of 2026 would give fire departments additional resources to prevent cancer, detect it earlier, and better protect the health of the firefighters who protect communities across the country.

Read the full text of the legislation here.