Cancer Institute Releases Latest Local Cancer Surveillance Report

The Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, a community-based nonprofit organization, is pleased to announce the release of “Cancer in Northeastern Pennsylvania: Incidence and Mortality for Common Cancers” available here.

This unique locally-focused report was compiled by Cancer Institute Surveillance Coordinator, Karen Ryczak, RN and Medical Director, Samuel Lesko, MD, MPH. The report documents that both incidence and mortality rates for cancer are significantly higher in NEPA than the U.S. as a whole. It also identifies those cancer sites for which there is a disparity in either incidence or mortality. Tobacco-related cancers, such as lung, larynx, and bladder cancers are statistically significantly higher than the U.S. rate in both men and women.  Of particular note, lung cancer incidence continues to increase in NEPA among women and remains statistically higher than the U.S. rate.

The goal of sharing these data is to raise awareness across the community and to promote collaborative efforts to prevent select cancers through healthy lifestyle choices and adherence to proper screening guidelines. The report offers important insight for Northeastern Pennsylvania residents, health professionals, and government leaders.

The Cancer Institute can provide additional information or interviews regarding the latest report. If you would like a hard copy of this report, please feel free to contact the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute at 570-941-7984 or admin@cancernepa.org.