California firefighters join forces with UC researchers to study cancer risk amid Trump cuts
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~ In a groundbreaking effort to understand the potential links between occupational exposures and cancer risk among firefighters, the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) and University of California Davis (UC Davis) have joined forces with CAL FIRE. The project, known as the California Firefighter Cancer Research Study (CAFF-CRS), has received nearly $9.7 million in funding from CAL FIRE and will involve 3,500 firefighters from departments across the state over a two-year period.

This research comes at a critical time as the Trump administration continues to cut funding for cancer research. Governor Gavin Newsom, who announced the study today, emphasized the importance of this collaboration between world-class public universities and those who put their lives on the line to protect others.

"This study couldn't come at a more critical time as the Trump administration cuts cancer research," said Governor Newsom. "It's California at our best: our world-class public universities teaming up with the women and men who put their lives on the line to protect others – all in an effort to improve health outcomes for all."

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The study, which is funded by CAL FIRE and the University of California Office of the President, will focus on analyzing how exposures on the fireground may contribute to changes in the body that increase cancer risk over time. The UC research team is working closely with a firefighter advisory board to ensure that their study remains relevant and addresses real-world needs and priorities.

UC President James B. Milliken expressed his pride in this partnership between UC researchers and CAL FIRE, stating that it aligns with their mission to save lives and keep communities healthy and safe.

"As wildfires become more common across our state and nation, there's an urgent need to support the firefighters who risk everything to save lives," said Milliken.

One specific area of focus for this study will be comparing exposures and biological changes in firefighters who responded to two major fires in Los Angeles – Eaton and Palisades – with those who did not. This research is part of a larger effort to protect the health of those who protect our communities.

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CAL FIRE Director and Fire Chief Joe Tyler emphasized the importance of this research in protecting firefighter health through science, innovation, and partnership.

"This research underscores CAL FIRE's commitment to protecting firefighter health through science, innovation, and partnership," said Tyler.

By better understanding the relationship between biomarkers of exposure and biomarkers of effect, such as epigenetic alterations and markers of inflammation and immune dysfunction, the team hopes to pave the way for new prevention and intervention strategies for firefighters nationwide.

This collaboration between UC researchers and CAL FIRE is just one example of California's commitment to addressing critical issues facing our state. As Governor Newsom stated in his recent State of the State letter to the Legislature, "California is a place where innovation meets imagination." And on this 175th anniversary of statehood, we can proudly add that it's also a place where Hollywood, Silicon Valley, Coachella, tacos, and beaches come together to create something truly special. Happy birthday California!

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