The device used to screen firefighters for Barrett's Esophagus. March 30, 2026. PC: Fox 11 Online
APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Developing cancer is an unfortunate hazard of the job for firefighters.
That’s why crews in Appleton are getting screened this week as part of an expanding initiative to proactively catch early-stage cancer.
On Monday, Appleton firefighters were tested for esophageal cancer using a balloon device. They swallowed the tube and the balloon inflated in their stomach to get a sample.
Captain Justin Brown says it’s an important check for first responders who deal with smoke.
“Due to the fact that firefighters are at a higher risk for cancer than the general population, and because of our job and the elements we face, we are going to get 80 members today screened for cancer,” Brown said.
The screening isn’t just for current firefighters. Retirees were also given the option to take the test.
“This is so important for firefighters, since they’re at a 62% higher chance of developing esophageal cancer,” nurse Brittany Kubis said. “They put themselves in harm’s way, and the amount of toxins they breathe in on a regular basis with their job, unfortunately, is what puts them at a higher risk.”
The test detects Barrett’s Esophagus, a form of pre-cancer that leads to esophageal cancer.
Lucid Diagnostics has done over 60,000 of these tests on people across the country. 12-15% of these tests come back positive. Kubis said early detection is critical.
“Esophageal cancer is so lethal, with an 80% mortality rate. So, if we detect that Barrett’s Esophagus in the early stages, then we can treat it, so then it never progresses to that lethal cancer,” she said.
Brown expects results to be back in the next few weeks. But no matter the outcome, these firefighters, both past and present, have each other’s backs.
“It’s a brotherhood too, where if someone does get something, we’ll all get through it,” Brown said.
Testing continues Tuesday and Thursday. If any of the tests do come back positive, the person will follow up with their doctor to confirm the diagnosis.
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