Chattanooga, TN – According to the officials, the Chattanooga Fire Department continues to prioritize the health and safety of its firefighters, with a focus on cancer prevention due to the elevated risks faced in the fire service.
In 2020, the department was reminded of these risks when Senior Firefighter Chad Crisp passed away from esophageal cancer, prompting city officials, command staff, and union leaders to stress the importance of cancer screenings and prevention efforts.
This week, CFD firefighters had the chance to undergo screening with EsoGuard, a DNA test designed to detect esophageal precancer.
Lucid Diagnostics, a company specializing in cancer prevention and the detection of Barrett’s Esophagus (BE)—the only known precursor to Esophageal Adenocarcinoma (EAC)—partnered with Erlanger’s Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery division to offer the free screenings.
Dr. Chris Sanborn, a bariatric surgeon at Erlanger, worked closely with Lucid Diagnostics to ensure firefighters received these crucial Barrett’s screenings.
The goal of the screenings is to identify precancerous conditions early and treat them effectively, preventing the development of cancer. Firefighters participated in the screenings at the department’s training center, with makeup opportunities available for those who were unable to attend.
Featured Image – The Chattanooga Fire Department
