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In 2023, VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center awarded a $5,000 seed grant to the Firefighter Cancer Support Network-Virginia (FCSN). The funding makes up the first level of Massey’s Community Grant Initiative, which invests in community-led programs that promote health, health equity and person-centered care across the cancer continuum, while also reducing suffering from cancer.

Founded nationally in 2005, the FCSN is a network to provide assistance and support to firefighters and their families as they navigate an occupational cancer diagnosis. Throughout 2022, the Virginia chapter of FCSN and other professional organizations worked with Massey to develop a registry to collect data tracking cancer cases; the FCSN will use it in their efforts to lobby for additions to the Virginia Code for occupational diseases.

In 2023, the FCSN utilized the Massey funding to hold the Occupational Cancer and Behavioral Health Symposium on May 31 in Richmond; about 200 firefighters from departments across Virginia and Maryland participated.

Steve Weissman, the Virginia state director of FCSN and cancer survivor, shares how this partnership enhances the lives of Virginia’s firefighters.

How did the FCSN use the Massey seed grant in efforts to improve cancer outcomes across Virginia?

The FCSN utilized the Massey seed grant at the symposium to bring together national subject matter experts in the field of firefighter occupational cancer. They discussed current research and ways for firefighters to reduce their risk of occupational cancer.

What has the FCSN learned from this partnership with Massey throughout 2023?

Massey is dedicated to assisting Virginia’s firefighters in reducing their risk of being diagnosed with cancer through local research and education.

Massey uses a “community-to-bench” model to ensure more consistent integration of community input into Massey’s cancer research, education, care and policy initiatives. How does FCSN intend to continue guiding Massey’s work in the area of occupational cancers?

The FCSN has partnered with researchers at Massey to identify ways to reduce a firefighter’s risk of cancer diagnosis. Some of the areas we are exploring include sleep deprivation, nutrition and exposure to carcinogens. We also launched the Virginia Firefighters for Lifelong Health registry, a statewide occupational cancer survey that will assist us in understanding the link between firefighting and cancer. Massey has established an outreach program for firefighters to enter treatment when diagnosed with cancer.

About the Community Grant Initiative

Seed grants make up the first level of funding provided by Massey’s Community Grant Initiative. Launched in Dec. 2021, the initiative helps community partners expand programs focused on the promotion of health, health equity, and person-centered care across the cancer continuum from prevention through survivorship, while also reducing suffering from cancer. In line with Massey’s 2021-2025 Strategic Plan, the initiative awarded seven $5,000 seed grants in 2022 and six in 2023.

In addition to VACHWA, these five organizations received 2023 seed grants:

• Baptist General Convention of Virginia (Richmond)
• Greater Norfolk Medical Society of South Hampton Roads (Norfolk)
• Hitting Cancer Below the Belt (Midlothian)
• Us Giving Richmond Connections, Inc. (Richmond)
• Virginia Community Health Worker Association (Richmond)

Massey will score the applications for 2024 seed grants on merit and expects to announce up to five recipients on Feb. 13, 2024.

Interview and article by: Amy Lacey

This article is part of a series highlighting each of the six 2023 seed grant recipients.