The National Cancer Protection Gap: What the National Data Says About Volunteer Cancer Presumption Laws – Symposium in the Sun

Saturday, November 14, 2026 | 1:30 PM to 2:45 PM Eastern | IAFC VCOS Symposium in the Sun, Clearwater, Florida

Despite identical carcinogenic exposures, gaps in protection still exist. Volunteer firefighters make up the majority of the U.S. fire service, yet their access to state-level cancer protection varies dramatically from state to state.

Using recently compiled data, this session highlights how volunteers are included, excluded, or placed into separate benefit programs.

After this session you’ll know the five common reasons volunteer firefighters are excluded from presumptive health programs and how to fix them. You’ll also leave with a guide to fireground practices and administrative records management that protect firefighters on the fireground today while building the accurate data they might need later.

Train. Teach. Lead. Do it on purpose.