Description of the Indicator
This indicator measures the cancer death rate per 100,000 residents in the four counties and Pennsylvania, adjusted for age.
Why is it important?
Cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality in the nation. Many lifestyle and genetic factors contribute to cancer diagnoses, including tobacco use and unsafe or prolonged sun exposure. Tracking data and trends is important to determine the health status of the community, the strain on health resources, and the economic impact of a less healthy population.
How is the region performing?
While the number of deaths from cancer increased in Lackawanna, Luzerne, and Wayne Counties from 2022 to 2023, Wyoming County experienced a decline during the same period. In the last ten years, however, the rates of death caused by cancer dropped significantly in Wayne County and Luzerne County. Wyoming County recorded the highest average cancer death rate compared to the other counties over the past decade.