First Responder
Screening Program
Early Detection
Cancer Screening & Cancer Treatment in Scottsdale, AZ
Supporting Our Heroes Through Early Detection & Treatment.
Firefighter occupational cancer is the leading cause of death in the fire service.
First responders have a 14% greater risk of dying from cancer and a 9% greater chance of being diagnosed with cancer when compared to the general population.
Vincere Cancer’s First Responder Screening Program
Firefighters and other emergency personnel face significantly higher cancer risks, often developing the disease at younger ages than the general public. The Vincere screening program is different—it is designed for firefighters to address their unique risks with early, advanced, and comprehensive screenings.
The program is more than just a scan; it is a multidisciplinary approach—combining oncology, urology, dermatology, gastroenterology, pathology, and advanced imaging for the most effective early detection. It is the most advanced program currently available to first responders.
Program Facts:
- Full screenings are often performed in a single visit
- All screenings are performed by board-certified physicians
- Over 4,000 first responders across Arizona have been screened
- More than 350 cancers have been diagnosed, with many in firefighters under the age of 50 and often in early stages
Unlike other programs, if a first responder is diagnosed with cancer, the Vincere team and Dr. Vershalee Shukla immediately engage with the patient to ensure they receive the best and most appropriate care for their particular cancer and have the very best possible outcome.
Multidisciplinary Cancer Screening
1. Schedule Your Assessment
Sign up for our comprehensive cancer screening program, designed to cover the basics while also being flexible for your unique genetics and demographics. Our lead oncologist will assess your predisposition to certain cancers and will suggest additional screening services if necessary.
2. Receive Detailed Diagnostics
Learn about your diagnostics from our expert oncologist. We will walk you through your results, offer a wide range of options for treatment or second opinions, and discuss next steps if necessary.
3. Next Steps
At Vincere Cancer Center, care doesn’t stop with cancer screenings. We offer multidisciplinary cancer care and treatment here at Vincere, so you can get the treatment you need now. Cancer doesn’t wait, and neither do we.
Complete the Process in as Little as One Day
Schedule Your Screening HEREDying To Save You
DYING TO SAVE YOU (2025) is a raw and deeply personal 27-minute documentary exposing the devastating toll of occupational cancer on America’s firefighters.
A Word from First Responders – Our Patients
“Thank you to Dr Shukla and her team for offering the Free First Responders Cancer Screening program. As a 42 year old, 20+ year fire fighter, I took advantage of the cancer screening to gain peace of mind and to get a clean bill of health. The last thing I anticipated was for Dr Shukla to find a rare mediastinal mass in its early stages. This particular type is not usually found until it has progressed into later stages of cancer. Throughout treatment, their care and compassion was evident and helped ease stress for me and my family. Less than 1 month after surgery to remove the tumor, I was back to working on my fire truck, running and biking in my free time and feeling better than before. Had the First Responder Cancer Screening not been offered or available, I am sure this cancer would have not have been found until it was too late. Thank you again Dr Shukla and everyone on her incredible team.”
Jason Underwood Chandler
Fire Department
First Responder Cancer Screening Program FAQs
What happens during my screening?
You’ll first have an oncology consultation, where we will go over your exposure records, health records, and family history. Your screening program will likely cover all the basics as it relates to common exposures for first responders, but we may also recommend additional testing based on your records. First Responder Screening typically includes:
- Oncology – Exposure history, medical and family history, and reviews of all imaging
- Dermatology – Full skin exam
- Urology – Prostate cancer screening
- Low-dose lung CT
- Whole-body MRI
- QT breast ultrasound
- Liquid biopsy
How often should a person be screened (standard guidelines)?
Complete screening should be performed every two to three years (more frequent screening may be indicated based on patient history)
- Under five years of service (oncology and dermatology consults/exams)
- Low-dose lung CT for individuals over 35 years of age
- Urology consult and exam for males over 40 years of age, unless there is a family history
- QT breast exam for females over 35 years of age
What are the most common types of cancer diagnosed?
- Prostate
- Kidney
- Leukemia and Lymphoma
- Sarcoma/Melanoma/Other
- Brain/Head and Neck
- Thyroid
- Testicular
- Non-Melanoma Skin
What happens if you find cancer?
All abnormal findings on imaging or pathology are reviewed by Dr. Shukla and Vincere physicians and communicated with you within one business day or at the time of your visit. From there, follow-up and treatment will be scheduled as required.
Where is cancer treatment performed?
Vincere Cancer Center has some of the most sophisticated cancer treatment technology in the country, and you’ll likely be able to undergo treatment right here. We have a multidisciplinary group of board-certified physicians across all specialties, so no matter what, we have an expert on staff to guide your treatment. We also have a vast network of specialist physicians that we work with throughout Phoenix and the country, if necessary.
How are the cancer screenings paid for?
Funding for first responder cancer screenings has been provided through various sources. Screenings are often funded by the city or the organization that employs the first responder. Different Arizona fire departments have successfully applied for and been awarded the FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG), and insurance providers are beginning to include cancer screenings in their coverage.
If further follow-up is required as a result of a screening, the designated tests will typically be considered diagnostic and will be charged to the patient’s insurance. Patients will be responsible for any related copays.
What about the cost of cancer treatment?
Most first responder diagnoses that are deemed as occupational cancer will transition into an industrial claim. You can find out more information by contacting your department or by contacting Vincere Cancer Center at (480) 306-5390.
In the Media
Stay up-to-date with the Vincere Foundation and the Vincere Cancer Center, including articles on new breakthroughs in cancer research and treatments, progress in expanding the first responder program, and real patient testimonials.
Professional Partnerships
We want our patients to feel confident in their care, so we proudly facilitate second opinions via telehealth communication with some of the best cancer hospitals and oncologists in the country.
