Understanding Cancer Survivorship among Firefighters: A Mixed-Method Study

Natasha Schaefer Solle (), Amy Legros, Rachael Jackson, Apoorva Rangan, Cynthia Campos Beaver, Hannah Kling, Fatima Khan, Tulay Koru-Sengul, Frank J. Penedo, Alberto J. Caban-Martinez and Erin N. Kobetz
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Natasha Schaefer Solle: Departments of Medicine, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
Amy Legros: Departments of Medicine, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
Rachael Jackson: Departments of Medicine, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
Apoorva Rangan: Departments of Medicine, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
Cynthia Campos Beaver: Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
Hannah Kling: Public Health Sciences, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
Fatima Khan: Departments of Medicine, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
Tulay Koru-Sengul: Public Health Sciences, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
Frank J. Penedo: Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
Alberto J. Caban-Martinez: Public Health Sciences, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
Erin N. Kobetz: Departments of Medicine, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 20, issue 1, 1-14

Abstract: Background: Firefighters are exposed to a unique set of carcinogens through their work environment that predispose them to several cancers, yet there is limited research related to cancer survivorship amongst this occupational group. Methods: A mixed-method approach was used to assess cancer survivorship amongst firefighters. Four focus groups and one in-depth interview were conducted with 29 active and retired firefighters who have been diagnosed with cancer to understand the experiences and challenges associated with cancer survivorship in the fire service and desired resources. Qualitative data were analyzed using Nvivo software. All participants completed the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G) survey to assess their quality of life. Results: The primary themes that emerged from the focus groups included managing health and well-being changes, navigating support systems in place, and accessing new resources. FACT-G scores (mean ± standard deviation) of the firefighter cancer survivor sample demonstrate relatively lower levels of emotional well-being (19.26 ± 4.67) and higher quality of life in the physical well-being (23.67 ± 5.08), social well-being (23.38 ± 4.16), and functional well-being (22.6 ± 4.966) domains. Conclusions: Firefighters requested curated resources, such as support groups and department training resources, supporting the need for more cancer survivorship resources specific to firefighters.

Keywords: survivorship; occupational health; cancer; mixed methods (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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