Vincere Cancer Center 7469 E Monte Cristo Ave, Scottsdale, AZ 85260
First Responder Screening Program
What is Vincere's First Responder Program?
Did you know that first responders have a 50% increased risk of dying from cancer compared to the general population?
Vincere began seeing first responders in November of 2018. This program was initially started because Dr. Vershalee Shukla had noticed a small influx in firefighters being diagnosed with various cancers. She did a bit of research and realized this is an epidemic amongst our nation’s first responders. The more research that was done, the more she realized we need to continue this program for the safety of these men and women.
We are now a year into the program and truly impacting the lives of so many. We now are contracted with the City of Phoenix Fire Department. The screening consists of a comprehensive visit in which a first responder comes in with his/ her exposure records and sees several doctors in this visit - Dr. Vershalee Shukla (Radiation Oncologist, Program Director), Dr. Larry Bans (Urologist), Dr. Carlos Rodriguez (Dermatologist), and multiple Gastroenterologists.
Are you part of the Phoenix Fire Department and interested in an appointment? Fill out the form below and we will call you within 1 business day to get you on our schedule.
First Responder Stories
Jason Underwood Chandler Fire Department
Thank you to Dr Shukla and her team for offering the Free First Responders Cancer Screening
program. As a 42 year old, 20+ year fire fighter, I took advantage of the cancer screening to
gain peace of mind and to get a clean bill of health. The last thing I anticipated was for Dr
Shukla to find a rare mediastinal mass in its early stages. This particular type is not usually
found until its has progressed into later stages of cancer. Throughout treatment, their care and
compassion was evident and helped ease stress for me and my family. Less than 1 month after
surgery to remove the tumor, I was back to working on my fire truck, running and biking in my
free time and feeling better than before. Had the First Responder Cancer Screening not been
offered or available, I am sure this cancer would have not have been found until it was too late.
Thank you again Dr Shukla and everyone on her incredible team.
