Cancer in Northeastern Pennsylvania

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States, and more

than 1,750 individuals die annually in Northeast Pennsylvania (NEPA) due to

cancer. The Northeast Regional Cancer Institute (NRCI) recently released the

annual report on cancer, “Cancer in Northeastern Pennsylvania: Incidence

and Mortality for Common Cancers”. This unique, locally focused report

documents that both incidence and mortality rates for cancer remain

significantly higher in NEPA than the U.S. and identifies those specific cancer

sites for which there is a disparity in either incidence or mortality. For the full

report, please visit cancernepa.org.

It is noteworthy that lung cancer incidence in both men and women is more

than 30 percent higher than the US rate making it the most commonly

diagnosed cancer in NEPA. Mortality from lung cancer is also elevated when

compared to the US — 20 percent higher in NEPA.

The good news: an effective, evidence-based screening tool is available to

detect lung cancer early. Unfortunately, this screening tool is grossly

underused both nationally and locally. A simple low-dose CT scan can find

lung cancer earlier, when treatment is more effective.

If lung cancer is found early, before it has spread, the chances of surviving five

years after the diagnosis increase substantially.

Most health insurance will cover this screening if you meet the eligibility

criteria:

• Are 50 – 80 years old (Medicare stops coverage at age 77 but check to

  see if your supplemental insurance will cover this screening after age 77)

• Have a substantial smoking history equivalent to at least 20 pack-years

  (one pack a day for 20 years)

• Continue to smoke or have quit within the past 15 years.

  
  

If you are a current or former cigarette smoker, talk to your Primary Care

Provider (PCP) about your smoking history to find out if this screening is right

for you. Your PCP can also guide you about when to start screening, how

often to be screened, and when to stop screening. If you continue to smoke

and wish to stop, your PCP or NRCI can direct you to tobacco cessation

resources.

While rates of colorectal cancer have been decreasing over the past several

decades, NEPA continues to have higher than national rates. Another trend,

both nationally and locally, is an increase in incidence among people under

50.

The recommended age for beginning colorectal cancer screening has been

lowered to 45 from 50, due to the increase in this cancer in young adults.

Individuals with certain risk factors, including personal or family history of

colorectal cancer or polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, or inherited

syndromes, should be screened sooner. And regardless of age, any

symptoms that might suggest this disease should be checked out promptly

— don't wait for a scheduled screening.

The Northeast Regional Cancer Institute can provide additional information

regarding this report, more about reducing cancer risk, and assistance in

getting screened through our Community Based Cancer Screening

Navigation Program. Please feel free to contact the Cancer Institute at (570)

904-8808 or karen.ryczak@cancernepa.org.