HONESDALE, PA — The Wayne County Commissioners stressed the significance of early colon cancer screenings by stating some alarming statistics:

• Incidence and mortality rates are up to 17 percent higher in some parts of Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA) compared to the national average.
• Each year in the counties of Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Wyoming, combined, more than 500 new cases are documented, and roughly 200 community members die from this type of cancer alone.
• Even patients of average risk account for approximately 75 percent of new cases of colon and rectal cancer.

The commissioners included these statistics in their C.A.S.U.A.L. (Colon Cancer Awareness Saves Unlimited Adult Lives) Day Proclamation, which urges all NEPA residents to be screened for colon and rectal cancer by age 45. 

Cancer can be an uncomfortable topic to talk about, especially regarding colon and rectal cancer. However, the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute aims to change the narrative around this topic through C.A.S.U.A.L Day, held annually on March 28. It raises awareness for the importance of cancer screenings and encourages community members to participate in “casual”conversations about early detection and screenings for colon and rectal cancers. 

Last Thursday’s commissioners’ meeting fell on C.A.S.U.A.L. Day. Karen Saunders from the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute emphasized its importance. 

“Since the inception of C.A.S.U.A.L. Day we feel that we have reached thousands of individuals about the benefits of life-saving colon cancer screenings,” Saunders said. “We’ve done that by removing barriers for residents, which include fear, motivation, financial/insurance obstacles, and transportation.”

The board designated March as Colon Cancer Awareness Month and March 28 as C.A.S.U.A.L. Day in Wayne County.

The incidence of colon and rectal cancers is rising among young people. Reports indicate that colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer death among people under 50 in the United States, with new diagnoses still climbing in this age group, according to the American Cancer Society. A report published in January said colorectal cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among men younger than age 50 and the second-deadliest cancer for women in the same age group, behind breast cancer. 

For more information about getting a screening, reach out to your primary care physician or visit the American Cancer Society website, cancer.org.