Interested in becoming a participant?
About the Study
The overall goal of the Virginia Firefighters for Lifelong Health Registry (VA-FLH) is to generate data that can inform state-wide strategic planning, allocation of resources, and strategies for cancer prevention among current and former firefighters in Virginia. The specific objectives include:
- Characterize the demographics, lifestyles, risk factors, and health status of firefighters who enroll in the VA-FLH
- Develop ways to improve health and promote cancer prevention among current and former firefighters in Virginia
- Support long-term health promotion and cancer prevention among Virginia firefighters and their families through interactive communication, networking and data collection from registry participants.
Our Mission
Our mission is to work with Virginia firefighter leaders to develop effective strategies to reduce the risk of cancer among firefighters in the state of Virginia.
Study Questions
Who is eligible to join the VA-FLH registry?
Firefighters in Virginia who are:
- Full time, paid
- Part time, paid
- Volunteer (full or part time)
- Seasonal
- Paid on call or paid per call
- Retired
- No longer working in the fire service
- Academy student
- Out on long-term disability
Those who have never been in the fire service or been in the fire service, but never in the state of Virginia are NOT eligible to participate.
How can I join the VA-FLH registry?
In order to join the VA-FLH registry, you can follow the link to the registration page. The registration page includes an informed consent form prior to signing up for the registry. Initial participation in the registry includes completing a survey either online or through the registry smartphone app.
Why should I join?
There are several benefits for participating in the registry:
- Contributing information will help us better understand the reasons for higher cancer risk among firefighters.
- The information will generate new knowledge to inform ways to prevent cancer among current and former firefighters.
- The findings could help inform state and regional legislators to implement policies and devote resources to benefit firefighters across Virginia.
Study Questions
What is involved?
If you decide to participate, you will be asked to complete a survey, which will include questions about your demographics, work and exposure history, health history, cancer beliefs, lifestyle and behavior, and well-being and satisfaction with work. The survey should take about one hour to complete. Prior to completing the survey, you will have the option to opt-in to being contacted to participate in follow-up research and to provide access to your medical records to better understand your health history.
In The News
Study Questions
New Massey research partnership to create firefighter cancer registry
Steve Weissman knew the pain of losing his firefighter colleagues to cancer. It is why Weissman, the Virginia state director of the Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN), was determined to make sweeping changes for the profession even before he got his own diagnosis in 2016...
Study Questions
Conference highlights Massey’s research partnership to create a firefighter cancer registry
Bernard Fuemmeler, Ph.D., M.P.H., associate director for population science and the Gordon D. Ginder, M.D., chair in cancer research at VCU Massey Cancer Center, presented at the Virginia Professional Fire Fighters (VPFF) Legislative Conference on Jan. 18 about the creation of a firefighter cancer registry in Virginia...
Study Questions
Massey Expands Effort to Research Firefighter Cancer Prevention Risks
Jonathan Clarke’s 19-year career as a Richmond City firefighter started with a bang.
He was still in training in March 2004 when a catastrophic blaze engulfed Virginia Commonwealth University dorms under construction along W. Broad Street in downtown Richmond. Billowing black smoke filled the sky over the city as hot embers jumped across the street...
Study Questions
“Together we can improve and save lives”: Massey announces 2023 seed grant recipients
This year, six community-led initiatives will receive funding from VCU Massey Cancer Center to expand their efforts to improve health outcomes for Virginians.
On Feb. 8, the cancer center announced the following organizations have been awarded $5,000 seed grants:
Our Partners
Interested in becoming a participant?