July 30, 2024
Research suggests Ont. paramedics face an elevated risk of developing all cancers compared to other workers but face a particularly high risk for melanoma and prostate cancer. These findings are similar to cancer risks identified in firefighters and police. Despite the differences in job tasks among these three categories of emergency service workers, similar elevated cancers may indicate some common exposures. Other findings include:
- Paramedics were found to have a 2.18 times greater risk of developing melanoma compared to other workers;
- The risk of developing prostate cancer was next highest for paramedics at 1.73 times compared to other workers; and
- Overall, researchers found elevated risks of at least 5% for 11 cancers including stomach, colon, rectum, pancreas, female breast, prostate, testis, kidney, thyroid and leukemia.
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