Beloved Female Firefighter, 45, Dies From “Occupational Cancer” She Got On The Job

The type of cancer that she had was called adenocarcinoma. Adenocarcinoma a cancer that begins in “glandular cells,” or cells that make and release mucus, digestive juices, and other fluid into the body. They can be found in a lot of internal organs. Most breast, pancreas, lung, prostate, and colon cancers are forms of adenocarcinoma. In this case, the cells were found in Sullivan’s stomach.

“It is with deep sadness that we mourn the loos of retired Firefighter/EMT Nikki Imm Sullivan. Nikki passed away yesterday afternoon after a courageous and tough fight with cancer,” reads the Fire departments post on Facebook in her honor.

Over 90 percent of cancers found in the stomach are adenocarcinomas. Symptoms of gastric cancer include indigestion and stomach discomfort or pain.

“This is an emotionally challenging time and it is crucial that we care and support each other. We appreciate the outpouring of support to Nikki's family and her extended fire department family. We will be working with Nikki's family to facilitate their needs, as we get closer to her memorial services,” reads the post. “Rest in peace Nikki and thank you for your service.”

"We’re seeing a lot of younger members in their 40s, early 40s, who’ve got 20 years on the job, who are developing these cancers at a very young age," Boston fire commissioner Joseph Finn told NBC News about occupational cancer in firefighting.

SurvivorNet has spoken with other firefighters who have been diagnosed with cancer because of their profession, including Gary Howard, a retired Lieutenant from FDNY Rescue Company 2 who responded during the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City.

“It wasn’t until December, 2016 I started feeling a little strange,” Howard told SurvivorNet. I was having problems swallowing. I was seeing different doctors out in queens.”

“We had been warned prior to that going back to as early as December, 2001 when they started analyzing all the dust and the debris about all the carcinogens. And our chief medical officer at the fire department, he said to us: “We’re going to pay for this ten, fifteen years down the road.” And he was right. He hit the nail on the head.”

“I wouldn’t change a thing if I had to do it all over again. I’d be there,” said Howard.

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