Firefighter Cancer Registry Act of 2018

Bill 115 hr 931, also known as the Firefighter Cancer Registry Act of 2018, is a piece of legislation that aims to establish a national cancer registry for firefighters. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on February 7, 2018, by Rep. Chris Collins (R-NY) and has since gained bipartisan support.

The purpose of the Firefighter Cancer Registry Act is to collect and maintain data on the incidence of cancer among firefighters in order to better understand and prevent the disease. Firefighters are exposed to a variety of carcinogens in the line of duty, putting them at a higher risk for developing cancer. By creating a registry, researchers and public health officials will be able to study the link between firefighting and cancer, leading to improved prevention and treatment strategies.

The bill requires the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to establish and maintain the registry, which will include information on the type of cancer, the affected firefighter's age, gender, race, ethnicity, and years of firefighting service. Participation in the registry will be voluntary and confidential, with safeguards in place to protect the privacy of firefighters. Overall, the Firefighter Cancer Registry Act of 2018 is a proactive measure to address the health risks faced by firefighters and provide valuable data for research and prevention efforts. The bill has received widespread support from firefighter organizations, public health advocates, and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.