West Virginia must close the cancer coverage gap for women firefighters

By: Jordan Cade

Outlets: West Virginia Watch

Published: February 3, 2026

Words: 604

Last Updated: 3 weeks, 1 day ago

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Women now make up 9% of the U.S. fire service, yet they remain underrepresented in research and policy, leaving many gender-specific occupational hazards overlooked. Firefighters, compared with the general population, face a significantly increased risk of developing several types of cancer, many of which are recognized under presumptive workers’ compensation laws.

When female firefighters develop cancers such as ovarian, uterine, breast or cervical — conditions linked to toxic exposures — West Virginia law provides …

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