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 is available at www.cancernepa.org.

The report was compiled by Cancer Institute Vice President of Cancer Surveillance Karen Ryczak, R.N., and Medical Director Samuel Lesko, M.D., MPH. The report documents that both incidence and mortality rates for cancer remain significantly higher in NEPA than the U.S.

It also identifies those specific cancer sites for which there is a disparity in either incidence or mortality.

In northeastern PA, the report found statistically significantly higher incidence rates for cancer of the lung, larynx, oral cavity and pharynx, esophagus, colon and rectum, urinary bladder, pancreas, thyroid 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 what screenings are appropriate based on age, gender, personal and family history, risk factors and eligibility criteria for screenings.

The goal in sharing the 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, NRCI said.

For additional information or for a hard copy of the full report, call NRCI at 570/904-8808 or email karen.ryczak@cancernepa.org.

The Northeast Regional Cancer Institute serves 10 counties in northeast Pennsylvania with offices located in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre.  Focusing on cancer surveillance, community and patient services, and hospital and practice support services, the institute invests 100 percent of its resources locally.