Cancer Surveillance
Cancer Surveillance efforts at the Cancer Institute involve examining and reporting the local incidence, distribution, mortality and control of cancer in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Results are used by the Cancer Institute to target education programs designed to prevent or reduce death and disability from cancer in this community.
Each year, the Cancer Institute compiles the Cancer in Northeastern Pennsylvania: Incidence and Mortality of Common Cancers report using data from the organization's Regional Cancer Registry, the National Cancer Database, and the Bureau of Health Statistics and Research of the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Characterized in this report are cancer incidence and mortality in Northeastern Pennsylvania relative to the United States for the 23 most common cancer sites. To view the latest report, click here.
Click here to read : An examination of colorectal cancer among young adults in NEPA article.
Past Cancer Surveillance Reports:
2016-2020 Data
2015-2019 Data
2014-2018 Data
2013-2017 Data
2012-2016 Data
2011-2015 Data
2010-2014 Data
2009-2013 Data
2008-2102 Data
2007-2011 Data
2006-2010 Data
2005-2009 Data
2004- 2008 Data
2003-2007 Data
Local Cancer Statistics 2018-2021
Please note: While the information referenced below can provide an understanding of the epidemiology of cancer in our region, effective and appropriate interpretation of the data may require more detailed background on the nature, source(s), and validity of the statistics to allow for proper interpretation.
An estimated 10,841 individuals are diagnosed with cancer each year in the 10 County area defined as Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA) which includes Carbon, Lackawanna, Lehigh, Luzerne, Monroe, Northampton, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Wyoming Counties.
The most commonly diagnosed cancer sites in Northeast Pennsylvania include (starting with the most common) lung cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer and colorectal cancer.
In Northeastern Pennsylvania, over 87,900 individuals are living with cancer.
To view more local cancer statistics, click on the links below.
Source: Pennsylvania Department of Health
These reports use data provided by the Bureau of Health Statistics and Research, Pennsylvania Department of Health. The Department specifically disclaims responsibility for any analyses, interpretations or conclusions.
For additional information on local cancer statistics, please contact the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute toll free in Pennsylvania at (570) 904-8808.
LOCAL CANCER STATISTICS BY CANCER SITE
Cancers of the lung and bronchus are the most frequently diagnosed cancers in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The incidence rate lung and bronchus cancer in Northeastern Pennsylvania is 27 percent higher than the average US rate: a statistically significant difference.
In the 10-county area of NEPA, 1,475 cases of lung and bronchus cancer are diagnosed and 854 deaths occur each year.
In Northeastern Pennsylvania, the incidence rate for cancer of the female breast is not statistically different from the average US rate for this cancer site.
In the 10-county area of NEPA, 1,480 cases of breast cancer (female) are diagnosed and 239 deaths occur each year.
In Northeastern Pennsylvania, the incidence rate for cancer of the prostate is not statistically different from the average US rate for this cancer site.
In the 10-county area of NEPA, 1,426 cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed and 167 deaths occur each year.
In Northeastern Pennsylvania, the incidence rate for cancers of the colon and rectum (colorectal cancer) is 7 percent higher than the average US rate for this cancer site: a statistically significant difference.
In the 10-county area of NEPA, 886 cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed and 325 deaths occur each year.
In Northeastern Pennsylvania, the incidence rate for cancer of the urinary bladder is 36 percent higher than the average US rate for this cancer site: a statistically significant difference.
In the 10-county area of NEPA, 587 cases of cancer of the urinary bladder are diagnosed and 119 deaths occur each year.
In Northeastern Pennsylvania, the incidence rate for melanoma of the skin is not statistically different from the average US rate for this cancer site.
In the 10-county area of NEPA, 467 cases of melanoma are diagnosed and 55 deaths occur each year.
In Northeastern Pennsylvania, the incidence rate for cancer of the body of the uterus (womb) is 25 percent higher than the average US rate for this cancer site: a statistically significant difference.
In the 10-county area of NEPA, 427 cases of uterine cancer are diagnosed and 85 deaths occur each year.
In Northeastern Pennsylvania, the incidence rate for Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is not statistically different from the average US rate for this cancer site.
In the 10-county area of NEPA, 414 cases of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma are diagnosed and 117 deaths occur each year.
In Northeastern Pennsylvania, the incidence rate for cancer of the kidney is is not statistically different from the average US rate for this cancer site.
In the 10-county area of NEPA, 396 cases of kidney cancer are diagnosed and 84 deaths occur each year.
In Northeastern Pennsylvania, the incidence rate for cancer of the pancreas is 12 percent higher than the average US rate for this cancer site: a statistically significant difference.
In the 10-county area of NEPA, 368 cases of pancreatic cancer are diagnosed and 286 deaths occur each year.
In Northeastern Pennsylvania, the incidence rate for cancers of the thyroid gland is 36 percent higher than the average US rate for this cancer site: a statistically significant difference.
In the 10-county area of NEPA, 334 cases of thyroid cancer are diagnosed and 12 deaths occur each year.
In Northeastern Pennsylvania, the incidence rate for cancers of the oral cavity and pharynx is 18 percent higher than the average US rate for this cancer site: a statistically significant difference.
In the 10-county area of NEPA, 319 cases of oral cavity and pharyngeal cancer are diagnosed and 67 deaths occur each year.
In Northeastern Pennsylvania, the incidence rate for leukemia (all types combined) is not statistically different from the average US rate for this cancer site.
In the 10-county area of NEPA, 309 cases of leukemia are diagnosed and 140 deaths occur each year.
LOCAL CANCER STATISTICS BY COUNTY
Each year, 403 residents of Bradford County are diagnosed with cancer and about 142 die from the disease.
The most commonly diagnosed cancers in Bradford County are:
Lung Cancer (55 cases per year),
Prostate Cancer (55 cases per year),
Breast Cancer (female) (55 cases per year),
Colorectal Cancer (34 cases per year) and
Cancer of the Urinary Bladder (20 cases per year each).
Please note: The size and age of the population of each county will affect the number of cancer cases diagnosed each year.
Each year, 483 residents of Carbon County are diagnosed with cancer and about 165 die from the disease.
The most commonly diagnosed cancers in Carbon County are:
Lung Cancer (72 cases per year),
Prostate Cancer (60 cases per year),
Breast Cancer (female) (55 cases per year),
Colorectal Cancer (41 cases per year) and
Cancer of the Urinary Bladder (29 cases per year).
Please note: The size and age of the population of each county will affect the number of cancer cases diagnosed each year.
Each year, 1,414 residents of Lackawanna County are diagnosed with cancer and about 525 die from the disease.
The most commonly diagnosed cancers in Lackawanna County are:
Lung Cancer (211 cases per year),
Breast Cancer (female) (200 cases per year),
Prostate Cancer (145 cases per year)
Colorectal Cancer (125 cases per year),and
Cancer of the Urinary Bladder (82 cases per year).
Please note: The size and age of the population of each county will affect the number of cancer cases diagnosed each year.
Each year, 2,275 residents of Lehigh County are diagnosed with cancer and about 709 die from the disease.
The most commonly diagnosed cancers in Lehigh County are:
Breast Cancer (female) (331 cases per year),
Prostate Cancer (327 cases per year),
Lung Cancer (283 cases per year),
Colorectal Cancer (177 cases per year) and
Cancer of the Urinary Bladder (119 cases per year).
Please note: The size and age of the population of each county will affect the number of cancer cases diagnosed each year.
Each year, 2,222 residents of Luzerne County are diagnosed with cancer and about 768 die from the disease.
The most commonly diagnosed cancers in Luzerne County are:
Lung Cancer (311 cases per year),
Prostate Cancer (295 cases per year),
Breast Cancer (female) (292 cases per year),
Colorectal Cancer (184 cases per year), and
Cancer of the Urinary Bladder (120 cases per year).
Please note: The size and age of the population of each county will affect the number of cancer cases diagnosed each year.
Each year, 1,109 residents of Monroe County are diagnosed with cancer and about 355 die from the disease.
The most commonly diagnosed cancers in Monroe County are:
Prostate Cancer (154 cases per year),
Lung Cancer (151 cases per year),
Breast Cancer (female) (151 cases per year),
Colorectal Cancer (91 cases per year) and
Cancer of the Urinary Bladder (56 cases per year).
Please note: The size and age of the population of each county will affect the number of cancer cases diagnosed each year.
Each year, 2,121 residents of Northampton County are diagnosed with cancer and about 684 die from the disease.
The most commonly diagnosed cancers in Northampton County are:
Prostate Cancer (296 cases per year),
Breast Cancer (female) (295 cases per year),
Lung Cancer (255 cases per year),
Colorectal Cancer (169 cases per year) and
Cancer of the Urinary Bladder (111 cases per year).
Please note: The size and age of the population of each county will affect the number of cancer cases diagnosed each year.
Each year, 397 residents of Pike County are diagnosed with cancer and about 134 die from the disease.
The most commonly diagnosed cancers in Pike County are:
Lung Cancer (64 cases per year),
Breast Cancer (female) (54 cases per year),
Prostate Cancer (49 cases per year),
Colorectal Cancer (31 cases per year) and
Cancer of the Urinary Bladder (21 cases per year).
Please note: The size and age of the population of each county will affect the number of cancer cases diagnosed each year.
Each year, 282 residents of Susquehanna County are diagnosed with cancer and about 114 die from the disease.
The most commonly diagnosed cancers in Susquehanna County are:
Lung Cancer (42 cases per year),
Prostate Cancer (38 cases per year),
Breast Cancer (female) (33 cases per year)
Colorectal Cancer (24 cases per year), and
Cancer of the Urinary Bladder (15 cases per year).
Please note: The size and age of the population of each county will affect the number of cancer cases diagnosed each year.
Each year, 260 residents of Tioga County are diagnosed with cancer and about 107 die from the disease.
The most commonly diagnosed cancers in Bradford County are:
Lung Cancer (35 cases per year),
Breast Cancer (female) (34 cases per year),
Prostate Cancer (32 cases per year),
Colorectal Cancer (24 cases per year) and
Cancer of the Urinary Bladder (13 cases per year each).
Please note: The size and age of the population of each county will affect the number of cancer cases diagnosed each year.
Each year, 336 residents of Wayne County are diagnosed with cancer and about 138 die from the disease.
The most commonly diagnosed cancers in Wayne County are:
Lung Cancer (53 cases per year),
Breast Cancer (female) (43 cases per year),
Prostate Cancer (38 cases per year),
Colorectal Cancer (27 cases per year) and
Cancer of the Urinary Bladder (22 cases per year).
Please note: The size and age of the population of each county will affect the number of cancer cases diagnosed each year.
Each year, 201 residents of Wyoming County are diagnosed with cancer and about 75 die from the disease.
The most commonly diagnosed cancers in Wyoming County are:
Lung Cancer (33 cases per year),
Breast Cancer (female) (26 cases per year),
Prostate Cancer (25 cases per year),
Colorectal Cancer (17 cases per year) and
Cancer of the Urinary Bladder (12 cases per year each).
Please note: The size and age of the population of each county will affect the number of cancer cases diagnosed each year.