SCRANTON, PA — The Northeast Regional Cancer Institute (NRCI), a local community-based nonprofit organization, has released its latest report on cancer, titled “Cancer in Northeastern Pennsylvania: Incidence and Mortality for Common Cancers.” 

The report was compiled by NRCI vice president of cancer surveillance Karen Ryczak, R.N. and medical director Samuel Lesko, M.D. 

It documents that both incidence and mortality rates for cancer remain significantly higher in Northeast PA than in the U.S. as a whole. 

In NEPA, there are statistically significant higher incidence rates for cancer of the lung, larynx, oral cavity and pharynx, esophagus, colon and rectum, urinary bladder, pancreas, thyroid, cervix and uterus compared to the U.S. 

Evidence-based screenings are available for breast, cervical, colon and lung cancer that can reduce deaths from these cancers—and in the case of cervical and colon cancer, could prevent cancers from developing. 

Primary care providers are well suited to advise individuals on which screenings are appropriate based on age, gender, personal and family history, risk factors and eligibility criteria. 

The goal in 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, NRCI said. 

NRCI is a nonprofit community-based agency serving seven counties in northeast Pennsylvania with offices located in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre. 

Given its focus on cancer surveillance, community and patient services, and hospital and practice support services, the institute invests 100 percent of its resources locally. 

For additional information or if you would like a hard copy of the full report, call NRCI at 570/904-8808 or admin@cancernepa.org. 

Find the report at www.cancernepa.org/.