EARLY DETECTION — Weirton IAFF Local 948, which represents firefighters with the Weirton Fire Department, is working this week with United Diagnostic Services to provide cancer screenings for the city’s firefighters. Among those participating in the screenings Wednesday were Galina Milerman of UDS and firefighter Conner Roberts. -- Craig Howell

WEIRTON — Weirton’s firefighters often are called upon to face danger in their efforts to serve their community. As part of that work, they also have to focus on their own health, which includes efforts to prevent any issues in the future.

This week, the Weirton IAFF Local 948 invited a medical team from United Diagnostic Services to come to Weirton and provide early detection cancer screenings for the firefighters.

The screenings were offered on the lower level of the Mary H. Weir Public Library Wednesday, and will continue today for any of the firefighters who are interested.

“The screening is paid for out of our pockets, because it is not covered by the insurance companies, nor is the city covering it,” explained Mike Serafine, Local 948 president.

Serafine raised the possibility of the effort in December, when addressing Weirton Council over discussions on the County Road Fire Station, noting the increased potential for cancer among firefighters — from exposure to heat, carcinogens and toxic substances — and the importance of early detection.

According to Galina Milerman, a representative of United Diagnostic Services on hand for this week’s screenings, it is important to get such tests as some cancers don’t necessarily have obvious symptoms in their early stages. Catching the conditions early can improve chances of treatments and cures.

“If you don’t check, you never know,” she said.

The screenings, which take approximately 30 minutes each, include ultrasound scans of up to six areas of the body, Milerman explained, including the heart, thyroid, Carotid, abdomen, bladder, and testicles.

Serafine noted the company works to keep the cost as low as possible for emergency responders.

According to its website, UDS was formed following the Sept. 11, 2011, terror attacks in response to medical researchers finding that more than 3,000 of the 16,000 first responders at the World Trade Center had developed a form of cancer.

UDS also provides radiology and cardiology services in West Virginia, with primary service areas including Charleston, Huntington, and Morgantown, but Milerman explained they are more than happy to travel to other parts of the state to assist emergency responders, and often are able to set up close to their workplace to make it convenient for them.

“They risk their lives to save others,” she said. “We come to them. They don’t have to go to an appointment.”