Spotlight on bladder cancer patient and FBC volunteer, Colin O’Sullivan
This May, Fight Bladder Cancer attended the Fire Brigade Union’s annual conference in Blackpool to help raise awareness of bladder cancer among firefighters. Firefighters are exposed to a variety of carcinogens, which are substances that can cause cancer, during the course of their work.
Exposure to these carcinogens puts firefighters at an increased risk of developing bladder cancer. A study conducted by the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) research found that surveyed firefighters were four times more likely to have been diagnosed with cancer than the general population.
Bladder cancer patient advocate and survivor, Colin O’ Sullivan, joined us in Blackpool to share our message with the firefighters. We so appreciated him giving up his time to support us in this way, and wanted to spotlight his contributions to FBC. Below, he shares a little bit about why he volunteers with us.
“My main reason for wanting to support FBC, at any time, is to help raise the profile of such a little known about charity outside of its own circle. With bladder cancer being the 5th most common cancer in Europe it still amazes me how little is known about it within society generally and my own personal experience echoes that fact, as I knew nothing of the charity when initially diagnosed. I was only made aware of FBC by Jenny, a Urology Sister, on my 1st appointment with my surgeon. The support provided online was extremely insightful and greatly more informative, accurate and useful than Dr Google: FBC online should be the first port of call for anyone with the slightest suspicion in my opinion.
As a survivor of a Radical Cystectomy, yes, a survivor, I can tell you bladder cancer is not an automatic death sentence, I now feel it’s important to me to promote awareness and try to encourage a positive approach at a very difficult and challenging time of life. Any diagnosis of bladder cancer is an enormous shock, even following a period of previous treatments, and is a time when anyone will need support. Here is a charity providing just that in abundance. Having received that myself I now feel I want to help and support in any way possible to promote awareness of the signs and symptoms and the work of the charity. The main signs of Bladder Cancer being, BLOOD IN THE WEE, (no matter how little), INCREASED FREQUENCY OF WEEING, & RECURRENT URINARY INFECTIONS.
The recent opportunity to help on an awareness raising stall at the Fire Brigade Union Conference was a great opportunity to highlight this neglected disease promote increased awareness of its symptoms. As there are additional risks to firefighters, in relation to their increased exposure to toxins, it is, in my opinion, increasingly important to do so. Mainly I hoped to help them think more about the risks, become more aware of the symptoms, to know where to get the support they may need and, above all, to show that, even as a male, it’s OK to discuss the issues openly and honestly and that there’s no place here for any tough firefighter ego if symptoms are suspected.
I also thoroughly enjoyed meeting my patient advocate colleague, Barbara and a couple of Fight Bladder Cancer staff who were previously only cyber images and techno contacts. A great bunch and all so approachable. I am personally happy to share my own experience if it helps in any way to make others journeys easier to navigate as Bladder Cancer could happen to absolutely anyone.”
Thank you Colin! We are so grateful to have champions like you in our community spreading a message of hope and empowerment!
You can read more about Colin’s work with FBC here.
What can be done to prevent bladder cancer in firefighters? Nearly half of all bladder cancer cases are preventable and several steps can be taken to reduce the risk of bladder cancer in firefighters.
• Wear protective gear: Firefighters should wear protective gear, including breathing apparatus, to minimise exposure to carcinogens.
• Practice good hygiene: Firefighters should shower and change clothes as soon as possible after a fire to remove any contaminants that may have been absorbed by their skin or clothing.
• Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help to flush out any toxins or carcinogens that may be present in the bladder.
• Stay up to date on training: Firefighters should stay up to date on training and education to learn about the latest safety protocols and techniques for reducing exposure to carcinogens.
• Avoid cigarette smoke: Smoking and exposure to cigarette smoke is the highest risk factor for developing bladder cancer. It is responsible for almost half of all bladder cancer cases.
Join Fight Bladder Cancer in Raising Awareness at Your Local Fire Station!
Bladder cancer is the 5th most common cancer in the UK, and it is a bigger risk for firefighters who are exposed to carcinogens in the workplace. Fire stations should take steps to raise awareness amongst their employees and to reduce firefighters’ risk of exposure to carcinogens at work. Fight Bladder Cancer has developed a suite of awareness materials to support this aim. Please visit our website to order awareness posters about the signs and symptoms of bladder cancer for toilets and changing rooms at your local fire station.