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Ciresi introduces legislation for free cancer screening for firefighters

Rep. Joseph Ciresi    April 17, 2026 | 9:37 AM

HARRISBURG, April 17 – Legislation to establish a statewide program providing free annual cancer screenings for firefighters was introduced this week by state Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery.

House Bill 2394 would ensure that firefighters can access annual cancer screening examinations at no cost when those services are not fully covered by their health insurance. The program would apply to both career and volunteer firefighters across the Commonwealth.

According to Ciresi, firefighters’ repeated job-related exposure to cancer-causing chemicals has led the disease to become one of the leading causes of line-of-duty deaths. Studies by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health found that firefighters face a 9% increase in cancer diagnoses, and a 14% increase in cancer-related deaths, compared to the general population in the U.S.

“It is morally wrong that our firefighters are being forced to choose between their health and their finances due to the high cost of deductibles, copayments, and other out-of-pocket expenses for work-related preventive care,” Ciresi said. “By removing the financial barriers to annual cancer screenings, my legislation would improve our firefighters’ health outcomes, reduce long-term health care costs, and demonstrate Pennsylvania’s commitment to protecting those who serve and protect our communities.”

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