ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Firefighters across the country are being urged to join a new registry that tracks cancer.

The data will help scientists get a better understanding of cancer dangers in the profession.

Numerous studies have shown that exposure to smoke and hazardous chemicals may increase the risk of certain types of cancer among firefighters.

The registry will capture details about firefighters’ work and match it with cancer information from state cancer registries.