The following is posted for your interest: TPFFA 3888 has updated the Medical Surveillance Guide. While this speaks to those still active, it may also apply to those retired. Take the time to consider what it has to say and maybe discuss with your doctor how this may apply to your health. Reminder – If you are diagnosed with any cancer or other serious illness, take a moment to discuss it with a 3888 WSIB Rep, as they are willing to help and advise our retirees.
Union Notice #26-018
Date: April 15, 2026
Subject: Occupational Disease, Cancer & Early Detection
To: All Members
Your Executive continues to work hard on behalf of the membership to advance firefighter health, safety, and early detection initiatives. As part of this ongoing commitment, we are introducing the Firefighter Medical Surveillance Guide, a tool designed to support you in protecting and advocating for your long-term health.
As you’re aware, firefighters face a significantly increased risk of cancer and heart disease due to occupational exposures. This is recognized in Ontario through WSIB presumptive legislation. Early detection can save lives. Presumptive legislation means the Province acknowledges that your work causes these diseases.
Your Responsibilities
Protect yourself, get checked regularly, and do not wait for symptoms. Be clear and direct with your physician about your job and exposures. Advocate for appropriate screening; do not assume it will be offered.
Routine, age-based screening is not sufficient for firefighters
How to Use the Medical Surveillance Guide
This document is a tool. Use it. Bring it to your medical appointment. Do not assume your doctor understands a firefighter’s risk.
Identify yourself clearly and tell your physician: “I am a firefighter. I am exposed to carcinogens and cardiac stress regularly. I need to be treated as a high-risk patient.” Push for appropriate screening by asking for earlier and more frequent testing.
Reference the specific cancers and cardiac risks listed. If something feels off, request further investigation. Do not accept the minimum standard of care. General population guidelines are not built for firefighters. If testing is dismissed or minimized, push back or seek a second opinion. Track your health over time by making screening annual and consistent. Follow up on abnormal results immediately and treat this as part of your job, not optional health care. Be honest. If something doesn’t feel right, say it. Do not downplay symptoms. Do not “tough it out.”
Empowering Our Members
This guide is about empowering you with the information needed to be your own strongest advocate. No one knows your body better than you, and no one will push for your healthcare the way you can. Be proactive. Be informed. Get checked.
The Bottom Line
You got into this job to save lives. Do not forget your own. You cannot eliminate the risks, but you can control how you respond to them. Your life and your family depend on it.
The 2026 Firefighter Medical Surveillance Guide is available on our website:
In Solidarity,
President
Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association
I.A.F.F. Local 3888