Page 26 - UFRA Straight Tip Spring 2021 - Volume 22 Issue 2

“Chief, I Have Cancer ...”
CANCER PREVENTION
How to support our
colleagues diagnosed
with cancer
Discussions about leadership in the fire service usually revolve around fireground management, labor relations, EMS or some new specialized training. Although valuable in their own right, none of these discus- sions addresses what to do when an employee tells you that they’ve been diagnosed with cancer.
Your first reaction to the news, as well as the subsequent decisions you’ll make, will likely have the most significant impact on this person—a per- son who is preparing to engage in a fight for their life. We as supervisors and managers must be prepared for these conversations.
Meeting Mike
I met Mike Dubron at the funeral for my engineer, Gary Sauls. Gary was diagnosed with melanoma in June 2005 and succumbed to the disease 3 months later. I was telling Mike how difficult it was for me, as both a su- pervisor and a friend, to deal with this loss. Mike shared his story about being diagnosed with cancer at age 39 and not knowing where to turn for help. He told me that as a result of his own experience, he started an organization called the Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN), which helps fire service personnel who have been diagnosed with cancer (and their immediate families).
This conversation helped me realize how prevalent cancer is in the fire service. I also realized the importance of our department’s reaction to Gary’s devastating news and how this reaction had shaped his entire at- titude and prepared him for his fight.
Having a conversation with an employee who has just been diagnosed with cancer will require you to use every concept of leadership you’ve ever read about. It will force you to assume a role that hasn’t been taught in any training exercise or leadership symposium.
Get the Facts
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has launched a comprehensive study (supported by the U.S. Fire Adminis- tration, IAFF, IAFC and FCSN) of cancer incidents among firefighters. But one thing to remember about cancer is that it does not discrimi- nate. Cancer is killing us at an alarming rate, and we need to STOP IT before it’s too late!
There are a few other things that are important to know about cancer. First, very few cancers are exactly the same, and although two people may have the same type of cancer, the level of spread and the organs involved may be very different, leading to an entirely different set of symptoms and/or treatment options. Second, some people would rather keep their diagnosis and ensuing treatment a private matter. I say this because without the individual’s consent, we have no right to intrude. Understanding the needs of the individual and the assistance they desire is an important first step in their road to recovery. Being supportive, not intrusive, creates the atmosphere necessary for positive interaction.
Part of these support efforts should include a referral to the FCSN. Once a person registers on the FCSN website, they’re paired with another fire- fighter who has had a similar cancer diagnosis, so they can provide them with valuable information about their particular type of cancer, their personal experience with the testing and treatments, and some insight into their recovery process. If you’re a cancer survivor, you know how valuable this kind of information can be!
Remember Respect
I’ve spent a great deal of time talking with frontline supervisors and chiefs about what to do if someone in their organization is diagnosed with cancer. Although there isn’t a chapter in the fire chief ’s handbook on how to handle this, what I have come to understand is that reacting
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