The Wade Cannon Act: Protecting Those Who Protect Us

Firefighters are exposed to some of the most dangerous conditions imaginable – not just in the moment, but long after the flames are out. Over time, exposure to carcinogens in smoke, gear, and fire environments has made cancer the leading cause of line-of-duty deaths among firefighters.

Across Texas, departments and health partners like PHS Mobile Health Solutions have been working to change that by making preventive health screenings more accessible and convenient. And now, the State of Texas has taken a major step forward. On May 29, 2025, Governor Greg Abbott signed the Wade Cannon Act (HB 198) into law – landmark legislation designed to protect those who protect us.

What Is the Wade Cannon Act?

The Wade Cannon Act requires all Texas fire departments to provide free annual occupational cancer screenings for firefighters starting in their fifth year of service. The law, named after Wade Cannon, a Flower Mound firefighter who lost his battle with occupational cancer at 33, takes effect June 1, 2026.

The TCFP will oversee the program and set screening standards to ensure consistent, high-quality care statewide. Many departments are already preparing by partnering with experienced providers like PHS Mobile Health Solutions, who bring comprehensive firefighter exams and cancer screenings directly to the station – eliminating travel time and keeping crews mission-ready.

Why This Law Matters

• 72% of firefighter line-of-duty deaths in 2023 were due to cancer.

• Early detection can mean the difference between treatable and terminal.

• The Wade Cannon Act ensures consistent, accessible screening statewide.

Firefighters face elevated exposure to carcinogens like arsenic, asbestos, benzene, and formaldehyde – toxins linked to cancers of the colon, lungs, and skin. Detecting these health threats early is critical. That’s why many departments are already integrating routine screenings through mobile health partners like PHS Mobile Health Solutions, helping make testing simple, discreet, and timely. By identifying risks early, departments can protect their teams and reduce long-term medical and operational costs.

What the Numbers Mean for Departments

Cancer screenings can be costly, averaging around $2,500 per firefighter when performed offsite, and they often disrupt shift schedules or pull firefighters away from critical duties. Yet, the cost of not screening is far greater. Undetected occupational cancers lead to higher medical expenses, extended medical leave, and the loss of experienced firefighters whose knowledge and leadership are irreplaceable.

That’s why the Wade Cannon Act matters. By ensuring free annual cancer screenings for eligible firefighters, it helps departments take a proactive approach to prevention, protect their teams, and reduce long-term financial and operational strain. Early detection saves lives and safeguards the strength and readiness of every department across Texas.

How PHS Mobile Can Help

For years, PHS Mobile Health Solutions has partnered with fire departments across Texas to make firefighter health and compliance simple, efficient, and accessible. Our on-site occupational health screenings bring everything directly to your station, eliminating travel time, minimizing disruption, and keeping firefighters focused on what matters most: protecting their communities.

Annual screenings through PHS Mobile Health Solutions typically cost $200–$400 per firefighter, a fraction of the $2,500+ charged by many offsite cancer screening programs. This approach not only saves departments money but also streamlines scheduling, reduces administrative burden, and ensures every firefighter receives consistent, high-quality care.

Learn more about our dedicated Firefighter Services section to see how we support departments statewide.

Have questions about preparing your department for the Wade Cannon Act? Contact us to start planning early and keep your firefighters protected.

Honoring Wade Cannon’s Legacy

Wade Cannon’s courage and advocacy sparked change that will save lives for generations of firefighters. The law named in his honor isn’t just about compliance – it’s about prevention, early detection, and ensuring that every firefighter goes home safe.

At PHS Mobile Health Solutions, we’re proud to support that mission – because protecting those who protect us is at the heart of what we do.