Cancer rates remain elevated in NEPA
Editor: The Northeast Regional Cancer Institute is pleased to announce the release of “Cancer in Northeastern Pennsylvania: Incidence and Mortality for Common Cancers” available at: cancernepa.org.
Noteworthy -— lung cancer incidence in both men and women is 30 percent higher than the U.S. rate and is the most diagnosed cancer in NEPA. While rates of colorectal cancer have been decreasing over the past two decades, rates here remain higher than the U.S.
Effective, evidence-based screening tools for both cancers are available, and for breast and cervical cancer. Screening doesn’t just catch cancer early — in the case of cervical and colorectal cancer, it can prevent cancer from developing. Talk to your family doctor about when to get screened; the right schedule depends on your age, gender, personal and family history, and individual risk factors.
Lung cancer screening for folks with a substantial smoking history is available and yet, it is grossly underused. A simple low-dose CAT scan can find lung cancer earlier, when treatment can be more effective. If you are a current or former cigarette smoker, please talk to your doctor to see if this screening is right for you.
The recent death of another young celebrity has put colorectal cancer in the spotlight — unfortunately, this story is playing out in our community as well. 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 personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, inflammatory bowel disease or inherited syndromes, should be screened sooner. Regardless of age, any symptoms that might suggest this disease should be checked out promptly — don’t wait for a scheduled screening.
For additional information and assistance in getting screened please contact NRCI at (570) 904-8808 or karen.ryczak@cancernepa.org.
Karen Ryczak, Vice President, Programs & Surveillance, Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, Scranton