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 at: cancernepa.org
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.
Of note, tobacco-related cancers, such as lung, larynx, oral cavity, pharynx and bladder cancers are statistically significantly higher than the U.S. rate in both men and women. Also noteworthy is an increase in the incidence of colorectal cancer in individuals under the age of 50, a trend that has also been documented in the U.S. Although screening for this cancer is not routinely conducted among patients younger than 50 without specific risk factors, clinicians should consider the possibility of an underlying malignancy among patients with symptoms consistent with this diagnosis. This may be especially true in northeast Pennsylvania where the incidence of colorectal cancer is higher than the U.S. average.
The goal of sharing these data is to raise awareness across the community and to promote collaborative efforts to reduce the risk of 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.
Sincerely,
The Northeast Regional Cancer Institute