Fort Ann firefighters get life-saving cancer screenings

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Firefighters in Fort Ann got a lifesaving opportunity Wednesday to get tested for a common cancer that they may be at risk of: esophageal cancer. Fire officials said this is the first time this type of event has been brought to Fort Ann -- a massive step for the team.

“Actually, a couple years ago, we lost a member to brain cancer, which was firefighter-related. His name was Edward Sharrow," said Lashinsky.

Jon Lashinsky is the Fort Ann Fire Chief. He believes Wedndesday's screening is a major step for the department to ensure they're being protected, all while they're out protecting others. Dr. Bora Gumustop, a gastroenterologist with Albany Gastroenterology Consultants, said firefighters are more likely to get certain types of cancer than other people.

"The number one cause of death for firefighters is cancer and esophageal cancer especially, is 62% higher than the average population due to the toxic chemicals they're exposed to during their firefighting," said Dr. Gumustop.

Additionally, many fire departments across the Capital Region are already facing staffing shortages. Lashinsky shared that there are about 40 total members of the Fort Ann department, but only about 20 active members. Risks like esophageal cancer can make the job scarier for some.

“I think for new people coming in when they hear the statistics it’s definitely scary I mean being told that just because I have fire gear on I’m 60% more likely is scary," said Lashinsky.

Therefore, events like Wednesday's screening are even more important. Dr. Gumustop described that the firefighter will swallow something that looks like a pill, as part of the EsoGuard -- which is a DNA test for detection of esophageal precancer administered by Lucid Diagnostics. The medical administrator will then blow up a small balloon-like capsule inside the body. The balloon-like capsule will collect cells, and the administrator will bring the capsule back up, and place those cells in a tube to be tested.

Dr. Gumustop shared that he's recently been a part of testing about 150 firefighters in the Capital Region for esophageal cancer. The tests will show if the cells present in the body are pre-cancerous or not.

“We did get quite a bit of positive patients. Today alone, I’ve seen a couple, and it is surprising some of these patients are very young,” said Gumustop.

He said that's why it's even more important to get screened. Firefighters can expect these test results to come back to them in about two weeks. If they get a positive test result, Dr. Gumustop said he will see the patient in his office, learn about their history and subsequently do an Endoscopy to confirm the diagnosis. Like other cancers, Gumustop said catching it early is absolutely key.