^{Date Published: 11 Aug 2008 9:14am}

Representatives from all rural and urban fire agencies and SES have met to discuss the establishment of a longitudinal cohort study of Australian firefighters.

The national executive of the United Firefighters Union were also represented and all participants heard from Professor Malcolm Sim and Dr Deborah Glass of Monash University on the establishment of the study.

Purpose of study
While there is considerable work still to be done, the purpose of the study is to:

• Monitor rates of death and cases of cancer in firefighters over time and compare the rates with those in the general Australian community
• Monitor other health outcomes such as general well being or morbidity other than cancer morbidity
• Investigate whether there are types of firefighting or particular exposures which are associated with excess mortality or increased cancer incidents

The need for this work was identified through an analysis of relevant research in the United States and more recently, the identification of a cancer cluster in a fire station in Queensland.

First phase
The first phase of such a study would involve a comprehensive scoping exercise to determine:

• The specific hypothesis to be investigated
• The study design; a suitable methodology, and
• Detailed cost estimates for the subsequent phases of the study

For further information please contact Judy Gouldbourn or Colin May on 03 9418 5205

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