Firefighter cancer presumption laws differ dramatically across U.S. jurisdictions, and those differences shape who receives coverage, how claims are evaluated, and which cancers are recognized. To support clearer analysis of these systems, I’ve released State and Territorial Firefighter Cancer Presumption and Benefit Structures in the United States (2026 Dataset).
This dataset compiles statutory presumption systems, hybrid programs, benefit structures, eligibility definitions, and enumerated cancer lists for all 50 states, D.C., and U.S. territories. Each entry includes statutory citations, verification dates, and notes on interpretation challenges. It also documents whether industrial and private‑sector firefighters are formally included—an often overlooked but important dimension of coverage.
This is intended for researchers, fire service leaders, policymakers, and public health professionals who need a transparent, state‑level reference.
The aim is to make the bigger picture easier to understand and evaluate, especially as occupational cancer continues to be one of the biggest health challenges facing the fire service.
