Steve Dorsey, a 56-year-old firefighter from Baltimore, experienced a challenging Valentine’s Day when he was diagnosed with stage 4 esophageal cancer. This diagnosis was particularly devastating as it had already spread to his lymph nodes and liver.
Having served in the department for 21 years, Dorsey is currently on medical leave and undergoing chemotherapy with the hope of reducing the tumor size, so he can reconnect with his team.
He mentioned how his colleagues have been a tremendous source of support, expressing, “The love I gained from them was amazing.”
Esophageal cancer, known for being aggressive and often detected in advanced stages, has discouraging survival rates, particularly for those at stage 4.
Dorsey aims to raise awareness about the importance of proactive health measures among first responders. As a father of four, he’s also trying to promote a DNA test, called eSoguard, which can detect abnormal cells in the esophagus before the cancer progresses.
“My mission is to bring awareness to esophageal cancer,” he shared, emphasizing that firefighters are at a higher risk for various cancers, including esophageal cancer, due to exposure to hazardous conditions.
Dorsey has been diligent about his health, routinely getting tested every six months, with high blood pressure being his only previous concern. However, starting in January, he noticed difficulties while swallowing, which he initially thought was a benign issue.
Over time, the situation worsened, and he found it challenging to eat without facing reflux symptoms. A series of medical tests later uncovered masses in his esophagus, lymph nodes, and liver.
His chemotherapy treatment is expected to start in March and continue into June. Dorsey hopes to see positive results in his upcoming CT scan, allowing for further treatment options, including immunotherapy.
Even though he is currently on leave, he frequently visits the fire station to see his friends and colleagues. One of his recent visits involved supporting a new fire engine, which is a beloved tradition among firefighters.
Dorsey reflects fondly on his career, stating that being a firefighter in Baltimore is both rewarding and demanding. He had always aspired to serve in this role, joining the department at age 35, shortly after his eldest son graduated high school.
Understanding the physical dangers of firefighting, Dorsey hoped that awareness of long-term health risks has improved since he joined in 2004.
Firefighters face exposure to toxic substances and extreme conditions, which can lead to various serious health issues, including certain cancers.
Dorsey noted that beyond burnout, he often deals with exposure to diesel exhaust due to poor ventilation at the firehouse, even mentioning how protective gear may heighten these risks.
The city recently acknowledged his cancer as a job-related illness. Esophageal cancer, though relatively rare, is particularly concerning for first responders, who experience increased mortality rates related to this illness.
Organizations like Bright ID Diagnosis are working to improve cancer screening, aiming to detect issues before they escalate. Dorsey aims to collaborate with fire stations nationwide to promote the eSoguard testing.
Lucid Diagnostics, which provides the eSoguard test, has screened over 10,000 firefighters, along with working towards enhancing awareness and testing for those in high-risk groups.
Community support for Dorsey has been strong, with fundraising events scheduled to help cover his medical expenses. He was looking forward to retiring in about six or seven years, but now faces an unexpected early retirement due to his health issues.
Reflecting on his time as a firefighter, Dorsey candidly said, “It was a great ride,” even as he navigates this difficult chapter of his life.
