Firefighters face extraordinary risks in the line of duty — including a 62% increased risk of developing esophageal cancer.
That’s why it’s so encouraging to see departments like Southern Jackson County Fire District taking proactive action to prioritize early detection and prevention.
In just minutes, firefighters underwent a non-endoscopic screening to help identify esophageal precancer before cancer develops — because when this disease is found early, outcomes can change dramatically.
See the story:
https://t.co/mCrlvTkrUD
For 21 years, Steven Dorsey has answered the call — a third-generation Baltimore City firefighter, a father of four, and a grandfather of five. Steve has spent his life putting others before himself.
Now he's fighting a battle no amount of training could prepare him for: stage 4 esophageal cancer.
Steve's only warning sign? Difficulty swallowing — a symptom most would dismiss without a second thought. By the time he was diagnosed in February 2025, the cancer had already spread to his lymph nodes and liver.
The reality is staggering. Firefighters face a 62% higher risk of developing esophageal cancer than the general population. Years of exposure to toxic chemicals, smoke, and carcinogens take a silent toll — and without routine screening, this aggressive cancer is often caught far too late.
But it doesn't have to be this way. Today, there is a test that can detect esophageal precancer before cancer develops — giving people a chance to act early.
Even in the midst of his own treatment, he's using his voice to advocate for esophageal screening across the country — determined to make sure the next firefighter gets answers sooner than he did.
Awareness isn't just about information. It's about action. Because earlier detection can change the course of this disease — and the lives it touches.
Awareness leads to action.
Action leads to earlier detection.
And earlier detection can save lives.
#EsophagealCancerAwareness
“I didn’t know I had GERD because my symptoms felt normal.”
Angela’s cough, hoarseness, and trouble swallowing were easy to dismiss—but they were signs of underlying disease. Her esophageal precancer was caught early, when treatment could make a difference.
Men are more likely to develop esophageal precancer, but women can develop it too—especially with risk factors like chronic reflux, obesity, age, and smoking.
#CheckYourFoodTube #EsophagealCancerAwarenessMonth
Great start to #EsophagealCancerAwarenessMonth at the @CUCancerCenter at the Paul R. O’Hara II Esophagogastric Symposium with Dr. Sachin Wani, Dr. Kelli Delay., and Dr. Seper Dezfoli.
Important conversations about the imperative to identify patients at increased risk—and how detecting esophageal precancer earlier can change the course of this disease, preventing cancer before it develops.
#EarlyDetectionSavesLives @EsoGuard_Test
Do you experience reflux symptoms every week? You’re not alone — about 1 in 5 people do.
What many people don’t realize is that chronic GERD can increase the risk of esophageal cancer.
This #EsophagealCancerAwarenessMonth, know your risk and talk to your doctor about screening.
Every white coat has an origin story.
Before the rounds, the residencies, and the responsibilities — there was a curious kid with a dream.
Meet the physician leaders behind Lucid Diagnostics — the clinicians who know firsthand that the right treatment, delivered at the right time, can change everything.
Lishan Aklog, MD
Victoria T. Lee, MD
Suman Verma, MD, PhD
Brian J. deGuzman, MD
This #DoctorsDay, we’re grateful for the physicians who dedicate their lives to caring for others — and for those who continue to push medicine forward through innovation, research, and a relentless commitment to improving patient outcomes.
As #NationalCancerPreventionMonth comes to a close, numbers like these reinforce our purpose.
Our focus is clear: help change the trajectory of esophageal cancer by making early detection easy enough to fit into everyday care.
#CheckYourFoodTube
Esophageal cancer is preventable through early detection of the precancerous condition. That's why fire departments nationwide are making EsoGuard a part of their screening programs.
#FirefighterCancerAwarenessMonth
This #FirefighterCancerAwarenessMonth, the Cimarron Hills Fire Department is taking action by hosting precancer screenings for at-risk firefighters.
For Chief Andrew York, it’s personal — he lost a close friend and fellow firefighter to cancer just a few years ago.
With occupational cancer now the leading cause of line-of-duty death in the fire service, early detection can save lives.
Heartburn also known as acid reflux occurs when stomach acid moves up into your esophagus causing irritation. Frequent heartburn can lead to esophageal cancer.
If you have frequent #heartburn ask your doctor if EsoGuard is right for you.
#CheckYourFoodTube
Wondering what it’s like to bring a #CheckYourFoodTube precancer screening event to your department? Hear from a chief who’s already made it happen:
"As the Chief of the Chattanooga Fire Department, I would tell any fire chief, fire department, or fire station that Lucid Diagnostics made this whole process easy for the firefighters who attended. Not only were the staff friendly and organized, but they generally cared about the well-being of the firefighters. Precancer screenings for firefighters can be quite intimidating. However, the staff puts firefighters' minds at ease with education and compassion while also throwing in some humor for a group of individuals who like to cut up. The staff also worked patiently with members struggling with the test itself." - Philip Hyman, Fire Chief, @ChattFireDept
#EarlyDetectionSavesLives
Headed out for some well-deserved R&R? Don’t forget to take care of your health before you go.
✔️ Schedule your EsoGuard precancer screening now—peace of mind makes every vacation better.
#EarlyDetection#CheckYourFoodTube
Esophageal cancer is one of the deadliest—but it doesn’t have to be.
See how EsoGuard, a quick, non-invasive test, helped Dr. Panzarella detect Patricio's precancer early—before it became cancer.
Watch the full story here: https://t.co/C5uTEQ2nBL
We're proud to partner with the nationally recognized @hoaghealth to expand access to the @EsoGuard_Test
With the support of Dr. Kenneth Chang and Hoag’s world-class team, this partnership brings noninvasive precancer testing to more patients—right in their doctor's office.
Together, we’re taking a major step toward a future free of esophageal cancer.
Read more: https://t.co/Efa49eOA9J
Honoring Lt. Kelly Hopkins’ legacy through action.
After losing Lt. "Hoppy" Hopkins to esophageal cancer earlier this year, Scranton Firefighters Local 60 took a powerful step forward—partnering with Lucid Diagnostics to bring the @EsoGuard_Test to active and retired firefighters.
“The main purpose (for the esophageal cancer screening) is it’s a preventative measure, it’s early detection,” President Allen Lucas said. “Our job is considered a carcinogen, it’s been labeled as that, so this is a way for us to protect ourselves and get as far ahead (of an esophageal cancer diagnosis) as we can.”
Read more here: https://t.co/yv0KhmvvGR
#EarlyDetection #Firefighter
Top 3 Excuses Dads Give for Avoiding a Cancer Screening (and why they don’t hold up).
This Father’s Day, give the gift of sticking around. Ask your doctor about getting screened. 💙
#FathersDay#EsoGuard#EarlyDetectionSavesLives
"I had no outward signs. I didn't think I had any risk factors that were overt," he said. "But I tested positive. And I share that because I want everyone to know, they need to be tested." said Fire Chief Robert Isbell, "His legacy is in just this...this early detection," he said. "It's a testament to Sylvia and Erik's life."
"If we could just save one life, then it's worth it," Sylvia Burleson said.
See the full news story here: https://t.co/hrF0V4r5lF
If you’ve been impacted by cancer—or know someone who has—you know it’s more than a statistic.
It’s the friend who caught it too late.
The parent who never missed a checkup.
The survivor who beat the odds—and helps others do the same.
Cancer touches us all. But #EarlyDetection gives us a fighting chance.
#CheckYourFoodTube