Cancer Institute Releases Latest Local Cancer Surveillance Report
Contact: Amanda Marchegiani FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Community Relations Coordinator February 19, 2026
amanda.marchegiani@cancernepa.org
Community Relations Coordinator February 19, 2026
amanda.marchegiani@cancernepa.org
(570) 904-8808
Cancer Institute Releases Latest Local Cancer Surveillance Report
SCRANTON, PA – The Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, a local community-based nonprofit organization, has released the latest report on cancer, “Cancer in Northeastern Pennsylvania: Incidence and Mortality for Common Cancers”. The report is available at: http://cancernepa.org/
This unique, locally focused report was compiled by Cancer Institute Vice President of Cancer Surveillance, Karen Ryczak, RN and Medical Director, Samuel Lesko, MD, 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 NEPA, we have 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, may 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 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.
For additional information or if you would like a hard copy of the full report, please feel free to contact the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute at (570) 904-8808 or karen.ryczak@cancernepa.org .
About The Northeast Regional Cancer Institute
The Northeast Regional Cancer Institute is a nonprofit community-based agency serving ten 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 Cancer Institute invests 100% of its resources locally. 2026 marks the Cancer Institute’s 35th anniversary.
The Northeast Regional Cancer Institute is a nonprofit community-based agency serving ten 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 Cancer Institute invests 100% of its resources locally. 2026 marks the Cancer Institute’s 35th anniversary.
###
Powered By GrowthZone