By Bill Carey
FireRescue1
DALLAS — In the Medical District of Dallas, Cancer Check Labs is leading a project to detect cancer early in firefighters.
A new 501(c)(3) non-profit, Adopt a Firefighter, is launching in Dallas, Highland Park, and Park Cities. They will donate $2.5 million worth of tests, allowing 1,000 firefighters to screen for free, WFAA reported.
Cancer is the leading cause of death among firefighters.
The non-profit is also raising funds to provide an additional 1,000 tests, ensuring coverage for every firefighter in the three departments.
“The key to catching cancer is to catch it early,” said Cancer Check Labs founder and CEO Sumit Rai.
Retired Dallas Deputy Chief Daniel DeYear was among seven firefighters who visited Cancer Check Labs for blood tests. Their results will be available in a few weeks.
“If you test all 2,000 firefighters in Dallas tomorrow, I promise you will have hundreds of positive tests,” DeYear said.
