Cancer is a leading cause of death among Canadian firefighters, according to a University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) study, which draws on a decade of data from worker compensation boards. Garis said cancer rates among firefighters increase dramatically with age, with the 35-to-39-year-old group accounting for only one per cent of workplace fatal cancer claims among firefighters. The 60-to-64-year-old group accounts for 17 per cent of the fatal cancer claims, while the 65 and older group makes up nearly half of the claims. Surrey Fire Chief Len Garis says cancer shows up later in firefighters' careers and often cuts short life after retirement. Nearly seven per cent of fatal claims were blamed on traumatic injury, while cardiovascular system diseases made up about five per cent of fatal claims.

Source: CBC News March 30, 2018 00:56 UTC