Photo gallery: ‘Hose-cutting’ ceremony opens Firefighter Cancer Center

A groundbreaking new clinic focused on screening firefighters for cancer opened its doors Wednesday.

The Utah Firefighter Health & Wellness Center, launched by the Utah Firefighter Cancer Initiative, is offering what experts call the most comprehensive firefighter cancer screening program in the nation. The center’s mission is clear: catch cancer early, save lives.

The center is a product of HB65, a bill that provides three years of funding for the initiative. The legislation positions Utah as a national leader in firefighter health and safety, according to a KSL-TV story.

Research shows firefighters face cancer rates up to seven times higher than the general population.

According to KSL-TV, the clinic will screen more than 500 firefighters annually, using advanced scans to detect 14 types of cancer known to disproportionately affect firefighters.

Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson, Rep. Casey Snider and other state leaders joined Utah Firefighter Cancer Initiative officials at the opening ceremony, celebrating a collaborative effort between Utah Valley University, the Utah State Fire Chiefs Association, the Professional Firefighters of Utah and the University of Utah-Weber State University Rocky Mountain Center for Occupational and Environmental Health.

Deseret News photojournalist Rio Giancarlo captured photos of Wednesday’s event, which included a unique “hose-cutting” ceremony.