HARRISBURG PA - Proposed legislation that would expand cancer screenings for Pennsylvania firefighters was “overwhelmingly” approved Monday (Oct. 19, 2026) by the state House of Representatives, according to the bill’s sponsor and Pottstown area 146th District Rep. Joe Ciresi.
House Bill 2826 would establish a free “Firefighter Cancer Screening Program.” It would support cancer screenings for eligible career and volunteer firefighters statewide. Ciresi says the bill aims to support earlier cancer detection, and addresses “unique health risks firefighters face” through occupational exposure.
Cancer has become one of the leading causes of line-of-duty deaths among firefighters, Ciresi reports. Studies show a 9% increase in cancer diagnoses, and a 14% increase in cancer-related deaths, compared to the general population.
“Our firefighters risk their lives every day to protect our families, our homes and our communities,” Ciresi adds. “Now it’s our turn to protect them. We know job-related cancer is one of the greatest threats to our firefighters, and that early detection saves lives.
The bill is intended to ensure every firefighter, whether career or volunteer, has access to no-cost cancer screenings. It now heads to the Senate for consideration.
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