Northeast Regional Cancer Institute Releases Latest Local Cancer Surveillance Report 

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 continue to see statistically significantly 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, 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 admin@cancernepa.org

The Board of Ambassadors Announce 2022 Tribute to Courage Honoree for Spirit of Hope Celebration

The Board of Ambassadors will honor Bob Durkin as the 2022 Tribute to Courage Honoree at their upcoming Spirit of Hope Celebration set for Friday, November 11, 2022, at Mohegan Sun Pocono.  

Bob is President and CEO of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, overseeing planning, finances, staffing and programing of the Chamber and its affiliates – Scranton Lackawanna Industrial Building Company, Lackawanna Industrial Fund Enterprises, MetroAction, Inc., Leadership Lackawanna, Skills in Scranton, and The Scranton Plan.  

He previously served as President of the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute; founding Director of the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority; Vice-President of the Chamber; and has worked in various capacities in the non-profit and regional government arenas. Bob is a 1981 graduate of Penn State University and undertook advanced studies at the PSU Institute for Public Administration and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute of Organizational Management at the University of Delaware. He and his family are active in several special needs related programs, including Challenger Baseball and Special Olympics. Bob resides in his native Olyphant with his wife Sherry.  They are the parents of a daughter (Jessica) and son (Kevin).