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:
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 2016-2020
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 10,519 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 83,400 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 23 percent higher than the average US rate: a statistically significant difference.
In our 10 county area, 1,477 cases of lung and bronchus cancer are diagnosed and 870 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 our 10 County area, 1,411 cases of breast cancer (female) are diagnosed and 242 deaths occur each year.
In Northeastern Pennsylvania, the incidence rate for cancer of the prostate is 4 percent lower than the average US rate for this cancer site: a statistically significant difference.
In our 10 county area, 1,245 cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed and 168 deaths occur each year.
In Northeastern Pennsylvania, the incidence rate for cancers of the colon and rectum (colorectal cancer) is 9 percent higher than the average US rate for this cancer site: a statistically significant difference.
In our 10 county area, 881 cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed and 328 deaths occur each year.
In Northeastern Pennsylvania, the incidence rate for cancer of the urinary bladder is 35 percent higher than the average US rate for this cancer site: a statistically significant difference.
In our 10 County area, 580 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 our 10 county area, 448 cases of melanoma are diagnosed and 61 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 our 10 county area, 421 cases of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma are diagnosed and 127 deaths occur each year.
In Northeastern Pennsylvania, the incidence rate for cancer of the body of the uterus (womb) is 33 percent higher than the average US rate for this cancer site: a statistically significant difference.
In our 10 county area, 432 cases of uterine cancer are diagnosed and 81 deaths occur each year.
In Northeastern Pennsylvania, the incidence rate for cancer of the kidney is 5 percent higher than the average US rate for this cancer site: a statistically significant difference.
In our 10 county area, 399 cases of kidney cancer are diagnosed and 83 deaths occur each year.
In Northeastern Pennsylvania, the incidence rate for cancers of the thyroid gland is 40 percent higher than the average US rate for this cancer site: a statistically significant difference.
In our 10 county area, 346 cases of thyroid cancer are diagnosed and 15 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 our 10 county area, 306 cases of leukemia are diagnosed and 143 deaths occur each year.
In Northeastern Pennsylvania, the incidence rate for cancer of the pancreas is 13 percent higher than the average US rate for this cancer site: a statistically significant difference.
In our 10 county area, 350 cases of pancreatic cancer are diagnosed and 278 deaths occur each year.
LOCAL CANCER STATISTICS BY COUNTY
Each year, 447 residents of Carbon County are diagnosed with cancer and about 161 die from the disease.
The most commonly diagnosed cancers in Carbon County are:
Lung Cancer (66 cases per year),
Breast Cancer (female) (52 cases per year),
Prostate Cancer (51 cases per year),
Colorectal Cancer (38 cases per year) and
Cancer of the Urinary Bladder (27 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, 1,391 residents of Lackawanna County are diagnosed with cancer and about 539 die from the disease.
The most commonly diagnosed cancers in Lackawanna County are:
Lung Cancer (209 cases per year),
Breast Cancer (female) (198 cases per year),
Colorectal Cancer (124 cases per year),
Prostate Cancer (123 cases per year) and
Cancer of the Urinary Bladder (85 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, 2,185 residents of Lehigh County are diagnosed with cancer and about 713 die from the disease.
The most commonly diagnosed cancers in Lehigh County are:
Breast Cancer (female) (310 cases per year),
Lung Cancer (284 cases per year),
Prostate Cancer (276 cases per year),
Colorectal Cancer (170 cases per year) and
Cancer of the Urinary Bladder (115 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, 2,193 residents of Luzerne County are diagnosed with cancer and about 782 die from the disease.
The most commonly diagnosed cancers in Luzerne County are:
Lung Cancer (331 cases per year),
Breast Cancer (female) (279 cases per year),
Prostate Cancer (271 cases per year),
Colorectal Cancer (197 cases per year), and
Cancer of the Urinary Bladder (118 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, 1,058 residents of Monroe County are diagnosed with cancer and about 352 die from the disease.
The most commonly diagnosed cancers in Monroe County are:
Lung Cancer (147 cases per year),
Breast Cancer (female) (146 cases per year),
Prostate Cancer (130 cases per year),
Colorectal Cancer (90 cases per year) and
Cancer of the Urinary Bladder (51 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, 2,050 residents of Northampton County are diagnosed with cancer and about 682 die from the disease.
The most commonly diagnosed cancers in Northampton County are:
Breast Cancer (female) (280 cases per year),
Lung Cancer (259 cases per year),
Prostate Cancer (256 cases per year),
Colorectal Cancer (156 cases per year) and
Cancer of the Urinary Bladder (109 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, 385 residents of Pike County are diagnosed with cancer and about 124 die from the disease.
The most commonly diagnosed cancers in Pike County are:
Lung Cancer (62 cases per year),
Breast Cancer (female) (51 cases per year),
Prostate Cancer (43 cases per year),
Colorectal Cancer (29 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, 279 residents of Susquehanna County are diagnosed with cancer and about 112 die from the disease.
The most commonly diagnosed cancers in Susquehanna County are:
Lung Cancer (38 cases per year),
Breast Cancer (female) (35 cases per year)
Prostate Cancer (35 cases per year),
Colorectal Cancer (25 cases per year), and
Cancer of the Urinary Bladder (17 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, 343 residents of Wayne County are diagnosed with cancer and about 137 die from the disease.
The most commonly diagnosed cancers in Wayne County are:
Lung Cancer (55 cases per year),
Breast Cancer (female) (40 cases per year),
Prostate Cancer (35 cases per year),
Colorectal Cancer (33 cases per year) and
Cancer of the Urinary Bladder (25 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, 188 residents of Wyoming County are diagnosed with cancer and about 71 die from the disease.
The most commonly diagnosed cancers in Wyoming County are:
Lung Cancer (29 cases per year),
Prostate Cancer (23 cases per year),
Breast Cancer (female) (21 cases per year),
Colorectal Cancer (18 cases per year) and
Melanoma (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.