A new peer-reviewed scientific paper by Bristol-based firefighter Ben Jones has just been published in Nutrition Research Reviews, a journal from Cambridge University Press
The review highlights the unique biological challenges posed by fireground contaminants and evaluates whether specific foods or nutrients could help counteract these effects. This article summarises the key findings and provides a link to the full paper.
How Diet Could Help Reduce Cancer Risk in Firefighters: A UK Perspective
Firefighters face a higher risk of several cancers compared to the general population. This elevated risk is primarily linked to long-term occupational exposure to toxic substances such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), benzene, PFAS, and formaldehyde. These contaminants are absorbed through the skin, inhaled during fireground operations, or ingested via contaminated hands and surfaces. While protective gear and decontamination routines are critical, new research suggests that diet may also play a role in mitigating these risks.
The review examines how dietary patterns and specific nutrients might help counteract biological damage from fire-related toxicants — particularly within the UK fire service context.
A Novel Perspective on Cancer Prevention
Unlike general public health advice, this paper examines the cancer risk through the specific lens of firefighting. It outlines how contaminants linked to fireground exposure disrupt key biological processes, including DNA repair, inflammation, and oxidative stress. It then reviews nutritional strategies that may counteract these effects, drawing on laboratory research and observational studies.
The Mediterranean diet emerges as a central theme, given its consistent associations with lower cancer risk in large population studies. Characterised by an abundance of vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, olive oil, herbs, and fish, this dietary pattern is rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds.
The review also examines individual nutrients and food-derived compounds such as folate, omega-3 fatty acids, flavonoids (including quercetin and EGCG), and dietary fibre. Each of these shows potential to support detoxification, reduce inflammation, or promote DNA repair pathways relevant to firefighter exposures.
Grounded in the UK Fire Service
Although the findings are globally relevant, the study is rooted in UK fire service realities. It considers the typical dietary habits of UK firefighters and highlights opportunities for pragmatic, cost-effective dietary shifts within fire stations and at home – including meals and ingredients already familiar to most UK fire crews.
The paper also discusses the potential for UK fire and rescue services to integrate nutritional strategies into existing occupational health frameworks. With rising awareness of firefighter cancers, there is increasing interest in multi-pronged approaches to prevention, including lifestyle and dietary interventions.
A First in the Field
This publication is believed to be the first peer-reviewed article to specifically analyse dietary countermeasures for fire-related cancer risk and the first authored by a serving firefighter. It offers evidence-informed suggestions designed to complement — not replace — existing protective measures.
Read the Full Paper
This summary captures only the headline points. The full paper includes detailed mechanisms, reference-backed strategies, and actionable guidance tailored for firefighter health:
Ben Jones
Firefighter, Avon Fire & Rescue Service
Ben is a serving firefighter based in Bristol and the author of the 2025 peer-reviewed paper published in Nutrition Research Reviews exploring the role of diet in reducing cancer risk among firefighters.
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