Firefighter Cancer Presumption

About the Firefighter Cancer Presumption

If you are or have been a firefighter and have been diagnosed with a cancer listed in the following chart, the cancer may be presumed to be a work-related injury and you may be eligible for benefits.

The presumption applies to full-time, part-time, or volunteer firefighters who have been engaged as a firefighter for the minimum cumulative period of service for the specified cancer.

The presumption does not apply to wildland forest firefighters.

You must submit your claim for compensation within 12 months of being diagnosed with a listed cancer for the presumption to apply.

Listed Disease

Minimum cumulative period of service

Multiple myeloma

15 years

Primary leukemia

5 years

Primary non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma     

20 years

Primary site bladder cancer

15 years

Primary site brain cancer

10 years

Primary site breast cancer

10 years

Primary site cervical cancer

10 years

Primary site colo-rectal cancer

15 years

Primary site esophageal cancer

25 years

Primary site kidney cancer

20 years

Primary site lung cancer

15 years

Primary site pancreatic cancer

10 years

Primary site ovarian cancer

10 years

Primary site penile cancer

15 years

Primary site prostate cancer

15 years

Primary site skin cancer

15 years

Primary site testicular cancer

10 years

Primary site thyroid cancer

10 years

Primary site ureter cancer

15 years


If you have been diagnosed with a different cancer or do not meet the minimum period of service, the presumption does not apply but you can still submit a claim and it will be determined based on the criteria established under the Act, evidence submitted and merits of the case.

For more information see Section 17.1 STATUTES OF THE YUKON

How to submit a claim 

Start the process by filling out a Worker’s Report of Injury/Illness. [Link to F-0046]