January marks Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month. Leading firefighter organizations are spending the month educating firefighters about preventing and surviving occupational cancer.

Occupational cancer is the leading cause of firefighter deaths, and Boardman Fire Department assistant chief William Glaser says they are committed to reversing this trend.

"We try not to be those tough guy firefighters that we used to be 20 years ago because we're learning that it's not good for our health," Glaser said. 

Cleaning fire gear daily and utilizing breathing devices have shown to be one of the safest ways to an entire career without succumbing to cancer.

International Association of Firefighters Chief of Health and Safety Pat Morrison says their mission protecting firefighters starts with prevention and early detection. Common cancers firefighters face include lung, prostate, kidney, and stomach.

He advises firefighters to receive annual medical screening, avoid cross-contamination and bring fire gear into a living space.