NCCN Summit Focuses on Improved Cancer Care for First Responders
Discussions aimed at better safeguarding our everyday heroes.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)—an alliance of premier cancer centers—recently held a Patient Advocacy Summit to spotlight the unique cancer care needs of veterans and first responders. This event featured a conversation with Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks, MD, MS, a physician and veteran of the U.S. Army. Engaging experts discussed the critical challenges faced by veterans, firefighters, and other heroes who confront higher cancer risks due to their occupational environments, what support systems currently exist, and ways to improve these in the future.
Cancer Risks Faced by Occupation
"Our nation's military, veterans, firefighters, and first responders place themselves at risk daily to ensure public safety. It is crucial that we respond in kind by providing adequate cancer care," stated Crystal S. Denlinger, MD, Chief Executive Officer of NCCN. She emphasized the need for swift access to quality cancer prevention, screening, and treatment defined by expert consensus-driven guidelines.
Mel Mann, MBA, MEd, U.S. Army Major (retired), and cancer survivor, echoed her sentiment: "Veterans who fought for our freedom should not have to struggle for essential cancer treatment and access to clinical trial options."
Experts highlighted that veterans and firefighters often face an increased risk due to harmful exposures while performing their duties. For instance, the protective gear used during wildfire suppression has had little advancement over the years, thereby increasing exposure to potentially cancer-causing substances that can enter the body either through the air or skin.
The Danger of Occupational Hazards
“Firefighting, though noble, entails significant risks. Yet, risking one's life for a cause shouldn’t equate to enduring unsafe working conditions,” remarked Dan Whu, MD, Chief Medical Officer at the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). He noted that the research starkly indicates occupational cancer in the fire service is an epidemic. Alarmingly, recent data reveals that up to three-fourths of the heroes honored at the IAFF Annual Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial succumbed to work-related cancers.
Brett Sloan, MD, FAAD, underscored the profound correlation between military service and increased skin cancer risks: "Veterans show a noticeably higher incidence of late-stage melanoma as compared to the civilian population. This elevation is partly due to workplace exposure, lack of sun protection, and insufficient awareness about cancer symptoms."
The panel proposed 'presumptive laws' that ensure certain benefits based on the probability of future health issues linked to patients' jobs, but these laws frequently vary by state, creating confusion and misalignment with scientific evidence. Too often, veterans facing a cancer diagnosis find themselves having to substantiate their service connection for benefits at a time of personal crisis.
Challenges within the System
According to Jim Pantelas, a Vietnam-era veteran and lung cancer survivor, "Out of the 18 million veterans today, approximately 22% carry a VA-recognized service-connected disability. However, only about half of these veterans have access to care through the Veterans Association Health Service." He highlighted that not all occupational exposures to carcinogens are recognized as causal factors for automatic benefits, necessitating veterans to invariably provide proof of their service-related exposures.
Speaker Pantelas pointed out that while Agent Orange is the only substance conclusively recognized as presumptive, many other carcinogenic substances have affected veterans, including:
- Asbestos
- Burn pits (Iraq and Afghanistan)
- Depleted Uranium (Iraq and Afghanistan)
- Diesel Fumes
- Plutonium (Cold War era)
Though the PACT Act, which expands recognized illnesses linked to military service, marks progress, attendees stressed that ongoing work is imperative to bridge the existing gaps in care for our heroes.
Joanna Doran, Esq., CEO of Triage Cancer, explained how veterans diagnosed with cancer might be eligible for vital programs designed to assist with care, financial burdens, and improving overall quality of life.
Collaborative Opportunities for Better Outcomes
Erin Kobetz, PhD, Director of the Firefighter Cancer Initiative at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, echoed the pressing need for research to inform prevention and treatment strategies. She asserted that firefighters and first responders face increased cancer risks from occupational exposures, thus our focus remains on their protection through research.
Many participants highlighted the significant capabilities of the Veterans Administration (VA) in areas such as cancer screening and mental health. There lies a critical opportunity for the VA and community health facilities to collaborate for enhanced service delivery.
David Eplin, PharmD, Past President of the Association of VA Hematology/Oncology, urged better collaboration between VA services and private cancer centers to provide top-tier treatment for veterans.
The summit also addressed the importance of clinical trial enrollment and data collection as essential components for improving cancer care across various professions.
Continuing the Dialogue
The forthcoming 2026 NCCN Oncology Policy Summit series will feature a new agenda, incorporating both webinars and in-person gatherings. These events will cover critical topics such as health literacy, innovations in cancer care, policy shifts for cancer screening and prevention, and family-centered cancer care.
About the National Comprehensive Cancer Network
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) celebrates its three-decade legacy as a not-for-profit alliance of leading cancer treatment centers committed to enhancing patient care through education and research. The NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines are recognized benchmarking resources for clinicians and policy experts alike. For more insights and resources, visit NCCN.org.
For media inquiries, please contact Rachel Darwin at 267-622-6624.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What was the focus of the NCCN Summit?
The NCCN Summit emphasized enhancing cancer care for veterans and first responders facing risks from occupational hazards.
2. Who were the key speakers at the event?
Among the key speakers were Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Crystal S. Denlinger, MD, emphasizing the significance of adequate cancer care.
3. What are presumptive laws?
Presumptive laws guarantee certain benefits to workers based on the likelihood of future health issues associated with their jobs.
4. How does occupational exposure relate to cancer?
Occupational exposure to hazardous substances can significantly elevate the risk of developing various cancers.
5. What does the future hold for the NCCN Summit series?
The upcoming NCCN Summit series will incorporate webinars and in-person meetings addressing crucial cancer care topics.
