A Charleston firefighter is speaking out for the first time about his recent cancer diagnosis and the vital role early detection played in his journey to treatment. Rob Tackett, who has served on the Charleston Fire Department for 12 years, is now advocating for cancer screenings to be covered as part of firefighter healthcare benefits.
Firefighters Face Increased Risk of Cancer
Firefighters are at a higher risk of developing cancer compared to other professions due to prolonged exposure to harmful chemicals and toxic substances during their work. According to the Charleston Fire Association, firefighters are 9% more likely to develop cancer than the general population, with many of the materials burned in modern fires—such as synthetic substances—contributing to this increased risk.
John Baker, President of the Charleston Fire Association, explained the growing concern: “It’s not the same fires that were burning 30 years ago. All the synthetic materials we have now in these house fires could be a cause for more cancer.”
A Shocking Diagnosis and Early Detection
For Rob Tackett, who had always been in excellent health and had no history of smoking or drinking, the news of his cancer diagnosis came as a shock. Tackett, 42, had always passed his blood tests with flying colors, and he never expected his health to be compromised.
Tackett’s life changed after undergoing a diagnostic screening offered by a healthcare program dedicated to improving firefighter health. The screening revealed an issue with his thyroid, prompting his doctors to schedule additional tests. Although the initial blood tests came back normal, a biopsy soon confirmed the presence of cancer.
“My doctors called me the very next morning. They said during the screening we found something on your thyroid, call your primary care physician as soon as possible,” Tackett recalled. “I did, and they got me in that day. We did more blood tests, which still came back normal, but we scheduled a biopsy, and a week later, it came back that it was cancer.”
The Importance of Early Detection
Tackett emphasizes how crucial early detection is for firefighters, noting that without the screening, his cancer could have spread further before it was diagnosed. “Without this screening, who knows how long it would’ve grown and spread somewhere else, so early detection is huge,” he said.
Advocating for Cancer Screenings in Firefighter Healthcare
Tackett’s experience is sparking ongoing advocacy for cancer screenings to be included in the health benefits of Charleston firefighters. The Charleston Fire Association is calling on the City of Charleston to prioritize these screenings in the department’s next healthcare budget. The Fire Department has indicated that they will consider this request in the upcoming fiscal year.
Baker expressed gratitude for the ongoing efforts to make screenings a part of firefighter benefits: “We’re still advocating for those cancer screenings to be done. That’s something that’s going to be in this budget cycle for the fire department, which we’re extremely grateful for, so it’s an ongoing advocacy.”
A Call for Support
As Charleston firefighters continue to face life-threatening risks in their line of work, the Charleston Fire Association is pushing for greater support. “We get called on people’s worst day, and they’re expecting our Charleston firefighters to fix the issue,” Baker said. “We’re proud to do it and serve the citizens and visitors of Charleston. All we’re asking for is a little bit of help so we can enjoy that retirement.”
The Road Ahead
Tackett’s brave decision to speak out about his cancer diagnosis is helping shine a light on the need for comprehensive health benefits for firefighters, particularly those at risk of developing cancer due to their exposure to hazardous materials. As the Charleston Fire Association continues its advocacy efforts, firefighters hope to see significant changes that will help protect their health for the long term.
