Apply Now

Firefighter Nutrition Research Study

Researchers at Stanford Medicine are seeking to understand if a whole-food, plant-based diet can decrease the risk of cancer among active San Francisco (SF) firefighters.

Apply Now

Fast Facts

Active & Full-time San Francisco Firefighter

Overweight (BMI > 40)

Have a Diet That Could Use Improvement

Conducted in San Francisco, CA

Study Background

The IGNITE Firefighters’ Health study, in collaboration with the San Francisco Firefighters Cancer Prevention Foundation, aims to reduce the elevated cancer risk among firefighters through dietary modifications. It will evaluate the impact of a diet low in processed foods, primarily plant-based, and rich in fermented dairy on inflammation and cancer risk, offering evidence-based dietary recommendations for this high-risk group.

The study involves 120 firefighters, split into two groups: one maintaining their usual diet and the other adopting a whole-food diet emphasizing plant-based options, fish, eggs, and fermented products. Over eight weeks, researchers will measure cancer risk markers, cardiometabolic health, and microbiome changes, aiming to develop effective, nutrition-focused strategies to enhance firefighter health and reduce occupational risks.

Join our study today!

Study Background

The IGNITE Firefighters’ Health study, in collaboration with the San Francisco Firefighters Cancer Prevention Foundation, aims to reduce the elevated cancer risk among firefighters through dietary modifications. It will evaluate the impact of a diet low in processed foods, primarily plant-based, and rich in fermented dairy on inflammation and cancer risk, offering evidence-based dietary recommendations for this high-risk group.

The study involves 120 firefighters, split into two groups: one maintaining their usual diet and the other adopting a whole-food diet emphasizing plant-based options, fish, eggs, and fermented products. Over eight weeks, researchers will measure cancer risk markers, cardiometabolic health, and microbiome changes, aiming to develop effective, nutrition-focused strategies to enhance firefighter health and reduce occupational risks.

Join our study today!

Apply Now

Additional Information

This study is being conducted to address the significantly elevated cancer risk faced by San Francisco firefighters due to exposure to toxic substances encountered during their work. Researchers aim to determine if a whole-food, plant-based diet can reduce this risk by lowering inflammation, improving metabolic health, and supporting a healthier microbiome. The findings could provide evidence-based dietary strategies to enhance long-term health and reduce cancer prevalence among this high-risk group.

You may qualify for a study if you meet the following criteria.

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Active & full-time San Francisco firefighter
  • Overweight (BMI > 40)
  • Have a current diet that could use improvement
  • No significant health concerns
  • In the arson or suppression units
  • Willing to be randomized to consume a whole-food, plant-based diet or maintain regular diet for 12 weeks
  • Not currently following a vegan or other very restrictive diet
  • Not undergoing cancer treatment

If you participate in the IGNITE Firefighters’ Health Study, here’s what to expect:

  1. Assignment to a Group: You will be randomly assigned to either continue your usual diet or transition to a whole-food, plant-based diet for the duration of the study.

  2. Study Duration: The program lasts 12 weeks and is conducted in person at Stanford University.

  3. Sample Collection: You will provide blood and stool samples at designated points during the study to help researchers evaluate health changes.

  4. Food Diary: You’ll maintain a food diary to track your daily eating habits, providing valuable data for the research.

  5. Educational Sessions: If assigned to the diet intervention group, you will attend sessions with health educators to help guide your transition to the new dietary plan.

By participating, you’ll contribute to research that aims to reduce cancer risk and improve health outcomes for firefighters.

Participants in the research study will not receive monetary compensation. However, those assigned to the whole-food, plant-based diet group will have meals delivered to them for the first four weeks of the program to help kick-start the dietary intervention.

There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.

Terms of Service

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

Privacy Policy

Tagged