New Report Shows 75% Reduction in High-Risk Cancer Group at Ontario Fire Service

A new firefighter health report shows that Ontario’s Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services is currently managing between 18 and 25 presumptive cancer claims, with total legacy and ongoing costs estimated at approximately $5 million dollars to date. Provincially, the median age of a presumptive cancer claim is 62, underscoring the long-term impact of firefighter exposures and operational stress over a career.

Developed in partnership between Sault Ste Marie Professional Firefighters Association (SSMPFFA), the City of Sault Ste. Marie, and Rep Health, the report analyzes real world data from firefighter shift patterns, recovery and readiness, body composition, mood, nutrition, and self-reported symptoms. It establishes an evidence-based model that other Canadian fire services can use to quantify cancer risk, workforce health, and cost exposure, and to act earlier to prevent avoidable harm.

“This is more than just a wellness program; it is a risk management investment in our staff,” said Peter Johnson, Fire Chief at Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services. “Moving firefighters out of the high-risk category represents a healthier workforce, delivering measurable cost savings for our city and, most importantly, protecting lives in our fire halls.”

The report uses Rep Health’s Overall Risk Score (ORS), a combined indicator that tracks multiple health and workload factors, to show how operational choices and recovery patterns influence long term health risk. By tracking these signals over time, the program helps flag elevated risk earlier, allowing the employer and union to intervene before issues become injuries, illnesses, or presumptive cancer claims. Since the program began, Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services has seen a 75% reduction in the number of firefighters classified in the high-risk cancer group among participating members, based on ORS trends and related health indicators.

At an average estimated cost of approximately $192,000 per presumptive cancer claim, including historical costs, even modest reductions in risk exposure represent significant potential savings for municipalities, alongside improved health outcomes for firefighters.

“This data gives us a clearer picture of what firefighters are carrying, both physically and mentally,” said Aidan Wright, firefighter with SSMPFFA and head of the union’s wellness team. “Rep Health has changed how our members think about daily readiness. By consistently tracking injuries, nutrition, and body composition, the program has brought a level of awareness that is already driving meaningful change.”

“In just the initial phase, we’ve gone from 4% to 1%, a 75% reduction in our high-risk cancer group and a meaningful increase in members moving into the low-risk category,” Wright added. “Those shifts reflect not only the strength of the program but the dedication of our firefighters. The data we’ve gathered is eye-opening, revealing the true physical demands and long-term impacts of firefighting, but it is also reassuring to see that with the right tools and focused effort, our members can actively reduce those risks and improve their health.”

In addition to cancer risk, the program also targets non occupational absence reduction. Over a four-year average, Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services recorded approximately 4,492 hours of non-occupational absence per year, at an average annual cost of $243,415. The program’s short-term goal is a 10% reduction, equivalent to approximately 449 hours and an estimated cost avoidance of $24,415. Medium term targets aim for a 20 to 25% reduction, representing up to 1,123 hours and as much as $60,853 in avoided costs annually.