Fueling Fire: Nutrition Strategies for Cancer Risk Reduction in Firefighters

In this episode of the Fueling Fire podcast, Megan Lautz sits down with oncology dietitian Taylor Janulewicz to tackle cancer risk reduction in the fire service through nutrition. Firefighters face a daunting cancer risk—accounting for up to 70% of line-of-duty deaths—largely due to carcinogen exposure. Taylor breaks down the top three dietary culprits linked to increased cancer risk: red and processed meats, and alcohol, offering realistic guidelines for reduction without sacrificing quality of life. They also debunk myths around sugar’s role in cancer, emphasizing moderation and performance needs for first responders. Taylor shares critical advice for those diagnosed with cancer, highlighting the importance of specialized oncology dietitians who understand the unique challenges of treatment and nutrition. The conversation provides practical, evidence-based nutrition advice tailored to firefighters’ lifestyles, with a focus on sustainable changes that support long-term health and resilience on and off shift.