Online Cancer Prevention Training for Firefighters

Overseen By Patrick McGrath, PhD

Age: Any Age

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: IWK Health Centre

Disqualifiers: Not volunteer firefighter, Not in Canada, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests an online training program for volunteer firefighters to help them reduce exposure to cancer-causing substances and improve their understanding of cancer prevention. One group will use the program for six months, while another will start a few months later. The trial will assess changes in behavior and attitudes towards cancer prevention. Volunteer firefighters in Canada with internet access who can read English or French are ideal candidates for this trial. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to important research that could enhance cancer prevention strategies for firefighters.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on online training for cancer prevention rather than medication changes.

What prior data suggests that this e-health training program is safe for firefighters?

Research has shown that the e-health training program for firefighters is safe. As it is not a drug or medical device, it lacks the physical risks associated with some clinical trials. Instead, the program uses online tools to educate firefighters on reducing cancer risk through education and behavior change. Being a training program, it has no known side effects or adverse events. Participants learn new methods to maintain safety and health at work. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Unlike traditional cancer prevention methods for firefighters that might focus on physical screenings or lifestyle changes, this e-health training program takes a digital approach to education and awareness. Researchers are excited because it offers a novel health information strategy with 90SecondFire Cancer health letters, providing quick, digestible insights. Additionally, the program includes a brief online course and an innovative problem-solving bulletin board, enabling firefighters to engage with and apply knowledge asynchronously. This approach allows for more flexible and continuous learning, which may be more effective in empowering firefighters to make informed health decisions.

What evidence suggests that this e-health training program is effective for cancer prevention in firefighters?

Research has shown that firefighters face a higher cancer risk due to exposure to harmful substances in smoke. This trial will compare two groups: one will receive an online training program immediately, while the other will be on a waitlist to receive the program after six months. The online training program aims to reduce cancer risk by teaching firefighters better methods for removing these harmful chemicals. Studies have found that improved cleaning habits reduce firefighters' exposure to cancer-causing agents. The program includes health tips, an online course, and a discussion board for sharing knowledge. Early evidence suggests that such programs can enhance understanding and change behavior, which is crucial for lowering cancer risks. ^{1 2 3 4 6}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for volunteer firefighters in Canada who can consent to participate, have internet access, and are able to read and understand English or French. They must be part of an all-volunteer fire department that has joined the study. Firefighters from composite departments with career members or those not consenting through their Chief cannot join.

Inclusion Criteria

Departments must meet the following criteria: Be a Volunteer Department, Be located in Canada, Consent to participate in the study via the Chief or delegate

Participants in the CRT study must meet all the following criteria to be eligible to proceed with the study: Be a volunteer firefighter, Work for an all-volunteer fire department that has joined the study, Live in Canada, Have access to internet, Be able to read, write and understand English or French, Consent to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria

Departments that are not Volunteer Departments, Departments not located in Canada, Departments that do not consent to be in the study via the Chief or delegate

Individuals will be excluded from proceeding to consent if they: are NOT volunteer firefighters, work for a composite department with some volunteers and some career firefighters or a department that has not joined the study, do NOT live in Canada, do not have access to internet, are NOT able to read, write and understand English or French, do NOT consent to participate in the study

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Intervention

Participants receive an online e-health intervention for cancer prevention

6 months

Online engagement

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in behavior and intentions towards cancer prevention

3 months

Online survey

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• e-health training program

Trial Overview

The trial tests an e-health training program aimed at reducing cancer risk by improving decontamination behaviors among firefighters. Participants will either receive immediate online training or be placed on a waitlist (control group) to later receive the program, comparing behavior changes over time.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Intervention Group Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

This arm will receive the online e-health intervention for six months. The intervention consists of three sections: 1. a novel health information strategy, 90SecondFire Cancer health letters 2. a brief on-line course 3. a problem-solving asynchronous bulletin board to mobilize existing knowledge

Group II: waitlist control group Active Control 1 Intervention

This group will be placed on a waitlist and will receive the online treatment program after six months.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

IWK Health Centre

Lead Sponsor

Trials

131

Recruited

112,000+

Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs (CAFC)

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

180+

Laval University

Collaborator

Trials

439

Recruited

178,000+

Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

180+

Citations

1.

researchprotocols.org

researchprotocols.org/2025/1/e70522

The Fire Fighter Cancer Cohort Study

Background: Firefighters are at an increased risk of cancer and other health conditions compared with the general population.

2.

clinicaltrials.gov

clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05745246

Firefighters Preventing Cancer Online Training Program

The project aims to evaluate the firefighters by measurement of current behavior, perceived importance, future behavioral intentions and perceived barriers for ...

3.

withpower.com

withpower.com/trial/phase-cancer-prevention-1-2023-41ada

Online Cancer Prevention Training for Firefighters

Trial Overview The trial tests an e-health training program aimed at reducing cancer risk by improving decontamination behaviors among firefighters.

4.

centerwatch.com

centerwatch.com/clinical-trials/listings/NCT05745246/firefighters-preventing-cancer-online-training-program

Firefighters Preventing Cancer Online Training Program

The goal of this two-arm, Cluster Randomized Trial is to evaluate an e-health training program for volunteer firefighters to reduce their risk ...

5.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10177420/

Cancer and Potential Prevention with Lifestyle among Career ...

Firefighting has been identified as a high-risk occupation with increased risks for several types of cancers. Exposure to carcinogens in fire smoke and ...

6.

ffccs.org

ffccs.org/cancer-assessment

Firefighter Cancer Assessment and Prevention Study

To characterize cancer risk and prevention activities in volunteer firefighters in order to inform long-term risk reduction.