Turlock Fire Fighters Turn Out in Pink this October

Across North America, fire fighters are wearing pink to support the fight against breast cancer

Turlock, CA. – In addition to fighting fires, Turlock fire fighters are sporting the color pink throughout October in efforts to fight breast and other cancers. 

Fire fighters exposed to carcinogens and other chemicals while on the job are disproportionately diagnosed with breast cancer – just one of many cancers linked to the work fire fighters do. With one in eight women diagnosed each year, an estimated 246,660 new cases of breast cancer and 40,450 deaths will be reported in 2016. Among all women affected, 85 percent have no family history. 

“Fire fighters are motivated to get involved for many reasons, and often it’s because they have been personally affected by the disease,” says Paul Arai, a fire fighter with the Turlock Fire Department and a member of IAFF Local 2434. “We are supporting breast cancer awareness and prevention by encouraging others to give so that no breast cancer patient goes without life-saving treatments or having hope for a cure.”

Everyone is at risk for breast cancer. The two most important risk factors are being female and getting older. Most women diagnosed with breast cancer have no other known factors. To help reduce your risk, be sure to maintain a healthy weight, eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, exercise and limit alcohol consumption. 

Your Turlock fire fighters encourage everyone in this community to participate in breast cancer awareness and prevention activities.