Dana-Farber oncologist urges lawmakers to require full coverage of cancer screening for Massachusetts firefighters

Betsy O'Donnell, a medical oncologist and director of early detection and prevention at Dana‑Farber Cancer Institute, told the committee firefighters have an elevated risk of cancer and asked lawmakers to support legislation requiring full coverage of evidence‑based cancer screening for the profession.

"The best treatment is early detection and early interception," O'Donnell said, arguing that prevention is fiscally responsible because it costs less than treating advanced cancer and disability. She told the panel that firefighters face a higher risk of cancer than the general population and attributed the elevated risk to occupational exposures to known and suspected carcinogens.

O'Donnell cited research and international classifications, saying the International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified occupational exposure as a firefighter as carcinogenic to humans for mesothelioma and bladder cancer. She listed several cancers for which cohort studies and meta‑analyses have shown increased incidence or mortality among firefighters.

Why it matters: supporters framed the bill as both an occupational health obligation and a cost‑saving measure, noting that earlier detection improves chances of cure and reduces long‑term treatment and disability costs.

Discussion versus action: testimony was an advocacy request for legislation; there was no committee vote or motion recorded during the session. O'Donnell and other witnesses urged full insurance coverage and evidence‑based screening for firefighters.

Background: the testimony framed the proposal as responding to peer‑reviewed evidence about occupational exposures and cancer risk in firefighters and urged the committee to prioritize early detection in any legislative remedy.