The Firefighter Cancer Support Network Annual Conference 2026, held October 22–24 at the Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak in Phoenix, Arizona, is the leading national gathering dedicated to confronting the firefighter cancer crisis — a public health emergency within the fire service that has made cancer the leading cause of line-of-duty death for firefighters across the United States. Research now confirms that firefighters face significantly elevated rates of numerous cancers including bladder cancer, mesothelioma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, prostate cancer, and many others — the result of cumulative toxic carcinogen exposure from firefighting operations, contaminated personal protective equipment, and fire station contamination. The Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN) exists to provide support to firefighters and their families dealing with cancer and to educate the fire service on prevention, early detection, and decontamination practices that save lives. The 2026 conference brings together oncologists, fire service researchers, public health experts, fire chiefs, union leaders, cancer survivors within the fire service, and family members for three days of keynote presentations, research updates, prevention program workshops, advocacy sessions, and powerful survivor testimonials. Topics include the latest carcinogen exposure research, best practices for post-fire decontamination, how to navigate a cancer diagnosis as an active or retired firefighter, workers' compensation and presumptive legislation updates, and how departments can build comprehensive cancer prevention cultures. Phoenix's year-round sunshine and the Hilton's resort environment provide a welcome respite for a community that needs both education and renewal. Every firefighter and fire department administrator in America should engage with this conference's content. It saves lives.
