A FIREFIGHTER’S RISK OF CANCER IS 3-5 TIMES GREATER THAN THE GENERAL POPULATION
Firefighters might look protected, but even their uniforms cannot fully protect them from the toxins they are exposed to when firefighting.
Presumptive cancer laws mean that a firefighter doesn’t have to prove that firefighting is the cause of their cancer, which makes it easier and speedier to get compensation.
Though current NSW presumptive cancer laws provide compensation for some cancers, firefighters are left uncovered for a range of cancers including oesophageal, lung, skin, cervical, ovarian, penile, pancreatic, thyroid, and uterine cancer, as well as malignant mesothelioma.
These laws need to be updated to include more cancers and cover the firefighters who cover you.
SUPPORT THE CAMPAIGN TO EXPAND
PRESUMPTIVE CANCER LAWS
Tell the NSW Government to cover more cancers.
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BOB’S STORY
Former Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Superintendent, Bob McGowan was a firefighter with 40 years of service.
But only 6 months into retirement, his doctor uncovered a life-changing illness – lung cancer.
Lung cancer is not one of cancers recognised in NSW under presumptive legislation. This meant Bob spent thousands from his own pocket on medical bills and surgery to remove cancer from his lung. The laws need to be expanded to cover other firefighters like Bob.
