Somerville Firefighters To Host Cancer Screening Event

Somerville firefighters stress that this upcoming event could help save lives.

By Benjamin Pierce, Patch Staff

Aug 20, 2026 1:38 PM EDT

SOMERVILLE, MA — As part of an effort to promote early detection of cancer and other health conditions among firefighters, Somerville Firefighters Local 76 is partnering with United Diagnostic Services to host a cancer screening event next month.

The screenings are scheduled to begin Tuesday, Sept. 8, at the Dante Club, 5 Dante Terrace in Somerville. Local 76 said screenings will be held Sept. 8, 9, and 10, while an event flyer lists screening dates from Sept. 8 through Sept. 12.

According to Local 76, cancer continues to be one of the greatest health threats facing firefighters, and union officials are emphasizing early detection as an important tool in identifying and treating the disease.

The union pointed to the experience of Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts Trustee Billy Hill, who was diagnosed with cancer after undergoing screening at a PFFM event. Local 76 said the early detection, followed by treatment and care from Dr. Betsy O'Donnell, director of the Multi-Cancer Early Detection Clinic at Dana-Farber, has helped Hill in his battle with the disease and that he is doing well.

United Diagnostic Services will conduct ultrasound-based testing designed to identify potentially actionable health conditions and provide early detection for cancer and cardiovascular issues. According to the event flyer, the screenings are painless and non-invasive and take approximately 30 minutes to complete.

Testing includes an echocardiogram and scans of the carotid artery, abdominal aorta, thyroid, liver, spleen, gallbladder, bladder, kidneys, and testicles. An exterior pelvic scan is offered for women.

Pre-registration is required to participate. Those receiving a screening are required to fast for at least eight hours beforehand, although water is permitted. Participants are also instructed to begin drinking 32 ounces of water about 90 minutes before their appointment, so their bladder is full at the beginning of the exam.