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. Signed into law on May 29, 2025, the legislation takes effect June 1, 2026, and is designed to improve access to preventive health screenings for firefighters across Texas.
Named after Wade Cannon, a Flower Mound firefighter who lost his battle with occupational cancer at age 33, the law establishes statewide screening requirements focused on prevention, early detection, and long-term firefighter health.
Preparing for the Wade Cannon Act
Texas fire departments are already preparing for the Wade Cannon Act by implementing department-wide occupational cancer screening programs before the law takes effect on June 1, 2026.
Professional Health Services brings comprehensive firefighter screenings directly to the station, helping departments reduce travel time, minimize scheduling disruption, and support long-term firefighter health with consistent, on-site testing and wellness services
What We Offer Texas Fire Departments
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Compliance with Texas House Bill 198
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Cancer Detection Exams
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Cardiac Risk Screening
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Fitness Evaluations
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Onsite/Mobile Programs
Why the Wade Cannon Act Matters
Early Testing Supports Prevention & Detection
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72% of firefighter line-of-duty deaths in 2023 were due to cancer
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Early detection can improve long-term health outcomes
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Firefighters face repeated exposure to occupational carcinogens
Reducing Screening Costs & Operational Disruption
Offsite cancer screenings can cost around $2,500 per firefighter and often require travel, overtime, and time away from critical duties. Undetected occupational cancers can also lead to higher medical expenses, extended medical leave, and the loss of experienced firefighters.
Professional Health Services helps departments simplify annual firefighter screenings by bringing occupational health services directly to the station. Annual screenings typically cost between $200–$400 per firefighter, helping reduce travel time, minimize disruption, and improve access to preventive screenings.
HOW OUR ON-SITE CHECKUPS WORK
Health Checkup
Choose the screenings and services your firefighters need
Coordinate With Our Team
Work with our scheduling team to select a convenient date and time for your station
Our Mobile Unit Comes to You
Our mobile medical team conducts screenings and provides health reports
Licensed medical professionals come directly to your station without travel or missed shifts. Professional Health Services delivers on-site firefighter medical exams that reduce downtime and help protect your members’ long-term health. Each screening addresses the cardiac, respiratory, and occupational risks firefighters face in the line of duty, supporting readiness and union wellness goals.
STAY AHEAD OF WADE CANNON ACT REQUIREMENTS
As Texas fire departments prepare for the Wade Cannon Act, early planning and consistent occupational cancer screenings can help protect firefighter health while minimizing operational disruption. Professional Health Services brings on-site firefighter screenings directly to the station, helping departments improve access to preventive screenings with no travel, downtime, or disruption to daily operations.
Wade Cannon Act Screening Support
Occupational Cancer Screenings
Texas fire departments will be required to provide free annual occupational cancer screenings for eligible firefighters. Early planning helps departments improve access to screenings while minimizing operational disruption.
Early Detection & Firefighter Readiness
Early detection can improve long-term health outcomes and help departments reduce extended medical leave, staffing disruption, and long-term operational strain associated with undetected occupational cancers.
NFPA 1582 Compliant Firefighter Exams
NFPA 1582-compliant firefighter exams support fit-for-duty evaluations, preventive health monitoring, and long-term firefighter wellness as departments continue strengthening occupational health programs under the Wade Cannon Act.
Annual Firefighter Screenings
Annual firefighter screening programs help departments improve access to preventive screenings, support early detection, and create a more consistent approach to occupational health monitoring under the Wade Cannon Act.
Why Fire Chiefs Trust Professional Health Services
Supporting Texas Fire Chiefs & Their Crews
Texas fire chiefs are placing a greater focus on prevention, early detection, and annual occupational cancer screenings under the Wade Cannon Act. Professional Health Services helps departments support long-term firefighter health with on-site screening services delivered directly to the station.
Start Your Station’s Compliance Plan
Not sure where to start? We’re here to help. You can use this form to connect with a specialist and talk through what makes sense for your station, your schedule, and your members.