Sacramento Firefighters Use Movember To Break Ice On Danger Of Cancer

SACRAMENTO -- Mustaches for "Movember" —it's a national movement to bring awareness to men's health. For some, it's more than just sporting facial hair, it's about bringing awareness to occupational cancer.

According to a new study, 68 percent of all firefighters fall victim to cancer. It's an illness that has been swept under the rug among firefighters, until now.

Cancer-free for the last five years, Pat Callahan says he's blessed to have another good day on the job.

"Thirteen years ago I was diagnosed with colorectal cancer, Stage 3."

Callahan went in for surgery a month after he was diagnosed, and doctors spent the next eight years monitoring him for any sign of cancer.

"At that point, I had to live my life three months at a time," said Callahan.

It was a roller coaster of emotions, wondering if the cancer would ever return. Callahan rolled with the punches and 13 years later, he is standing tall and healthy as ever. His mustache -- a symbol of the fight he won.

"It's a chapter of my life that I went through and I deal with it," Callahan said.

According to a study by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, firefighters are at a higher risk of being diagnosed with respiratory, digestive and urinary cancers.

The study also found younger fire fighters have a higher-than-expected rate of prostate and bladder cancers. In fact, the Sacramento Metro Fire Department has accepted 21 cancer claims since 2001.

"It makes me think of my brother-in-law who in 1995 at the age of 32 died from melanoma."

It was a wake-up call for Kevin Summers, who used his experience to bring "Movember" to the fire department. Firefighters now have an extra set of fire equipment to ensure they're not exposed to the toxins from their last call.

"As soon as we come back we shower and clean up fast; we put our gear in the laundry immediately to remove the toxins," Summers added.

The mustaches are more than a fashion statement for Sacramento Metro firefighters; they are helping to break the ice about an illness, silenced in the firehouse.

Summers is encouraging all firefighters to speak up about cancer awareness.

Last year, the fire department raised $32,000 for "Movember" and they hope to exceed that goal this year.

If you would like to donate to this cause, click here.