The Scottsdale City Council has approved a new cancer screening program for firefighters, following a unanimous vote at the February 10 meeting. The initiative, which has the support of Mayor Lisa Borowsky, involves an annual contract with Vincere Physicians Group valued at $400,000 per year to provide advanced cancer screenings for both firefighters and fire inspectors.
“This is not just an investment in early detection, it’s an investment in the health, safety and peace of mind of the men and women who protect our community every day,” said Mayor Lisa Borowsky. “We know cancer is the leading cause of firefighter deaths nationwide, and we are taking proactive, science‑based steps to change that.”
Cancer remains a significant risk for firefighters, accounting for about one-third of fatalities in the profession. National data indicate that firefighters have higher risks of developing certain cancers earlier and with greater mortality rates compared to the general population. In 2022, firefighting occupational exposure was classified as “carcinogenic to humans” by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
Pilot screenings in Scottsdale began after a 2021 FEMA grant enabled initial testing; these efforts have already identified early-stage cancers among some personnel. “These kinds of screening techniques can save the lives of local firefighters who are putting themselves at risk to protect our community,” Borowsky said. “Our firefighter community deserve to the best cancer screening care and these efforts at City Hall is what common-sense leadership looks like.”
The new program will use whole-body MRI technology from Vincere Physicians Group. This approach aims to detect cancers that might otherwise go unnoticed until later stages; it is not typically covered by insurance but will be central to Scottsdale’s initiative.
Mayor Borowsky has previously supported community service initiatives benefiting children, older adults, and underprivileged youth through board roles according to her official website. She also served on the Scottsdale City Council from 2008 to 2012 where she advocated for fiscal conservatism and budget improvements (source). As mayor, Borowsky emphasizes resident engagement through regular updates and reports (source), and she has maintained lifelong residency in Scottsdale (source).
