CONTINUING TO COLLABORATE
NORTHEAST REGIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE CELEBRATES SILVER ANNIVERSARY
Formed with the idea that collaboration between local hospitals , physician practices and other organizations could result in more effective cancer research , for more than 25 years , the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute ( NRCI ) has integrated these resources with their cancer surveillance , education and patient services .
“ The mission of the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute has been and continues to be to ease the burden of cancer in our region ,” said Laura Toole , vice president of community and patient services of the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute . “ If anyone needs help or has questions about cancer , we want them to know they can call our office and find the answers they are seeking . What we know is that a cancer diagnosis affects a whole family and we are here for not only a cancer patient , but for their families as well .”
All of the NRCI ’ s programs are aimed at reducing the burden that often accompanies a cancer diagnosis , which is something Toole is very passionate about . Along with the fight against cancer , the Institute also seeks to end common misconceptions about the disease .
“ Cancer is a group of more than 100 different diseases , it is not just one disease ,” Toole said . “ All types of cancer are characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells
“ Collaboration has remained a key and effective principle that has allowed our organization to grow over the last quarter century ,”
- Laura Toole within the body . There are hundreds of cancers , each acquired differently and treated differently , with different outcomes .”
“ Many people overestimate the role that inheritance plays in the chances of developing cancer ,” she added . “ Only about 7-10 percent of all cancer is related to inheritance .”
The NRCI began a Patient Navigation Program in 2010 , which helps individuals who are uninsured or underinsured get up-to-date on breast , cervical and colon cancer screenings . The program has completed more than 2,500 screenings since its inception . Plans are underway to add lung cancer screening to the program .
Looking ahead , the NRCI plans to further its mission by continuing to help cancer patients through diagnosis , treatment and beyond , as well as collaborating with regional partners .
“ We will continue to be a community resource for all those affected by a cancer diagnosis ,” said Amanda Marchegiani , community relations coordinator . “ We have been helping to ease the burden of cancer in northeast Pennsylvania for more than 25 years and we will continue to do so until cancer is finally eradicated .”
1991 NRCI was formed through a collaboration of Mercy Hospital , Moses Taylor and Pocono Medical Center . |
1993 The Cancer Institute publishes the first edition of the “ Oncology Resources Handbook ”. |
1996 The Institute for Molecular Biology was founded through a partnership between the Cancer Institute and the University of Scranton and the help of a $ 7.5 million federal grant . |
2003 The Targeted Colorectal Cancer Awareness Program is begun after Cancer Institute research discovers a high rate of colorectal cancer in NEPA |
2010 The Cancer Institute begins formation of the Cancer Navigation Screening Program . |
2012 The Board of Ambassadors ’ first Spirit of Hope Celebration is held at Mohegan Sun to support the Cancer Navigation Screening Program . |
1993 First Cancer Survivor ’ s Celebration is held at Montage Mountain . |
1994 The Regional Cancer Registry begins operation- the only one of its kind in Pennsylvania . |
1998 The Cancer Institute receives a grant from the Dept . of Energy to establish an Epidemiology Research Program to study the incidence and distribution of cancer in NE PA . |
2004 The first CASUAL Day is held in memory of Helen Phillips . This is the NRCI ’ s largest educational and awareness campaign for Colon Cancer Screening . |
2011 20th Anniversary and the first Judi H Rock On is held in memory of Judi Hartridge |
2016 The Cancer Institute Registry completes its 16th successful American College of Surgeons ’ Commission on Cancer Survey for its hospital partners |
www . scrantonchamber . com • 7