Cancer is a term used for a large group of diseases in which cells divide at an abnormally fast rate, and may invade other cells or tissues in the body. Cancers are typically named for the part of the body in which this abnormal cell division starts. Cancers are the second leading cause of death in the U.S.
Use this page to review data on cancer, see images and stories about this topic, hear voices from our key informant survey and add your voice to the journey.
Prostate Cancer Incidence Rate
(Compared to NJ Counties)
The NJHC data committee is collecting data to help us develop shared plans for improving community health. Take a minute and review the indicators, images, stories and resources associated with cancer.
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See Report for Morris, Union, and Sussex
Morris County has a cancer incidence rate (number of new cases) that is higher than the national average. Specific cancers with high incidence rates include prostate cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, melanoma, and female breast cancer. These cancers aren’t appearing evenly across the population. Incidence of prostate cancer is higher in Black males, non-Hodgkin lymphoma in males and Hispanic individuals, melanoma in males, and breast cancer in White females. Although county-wide rates of cervical cancer are within expected limits, Hispanic women are more than twice as likely as White women to experience a new case of cervical cancer.
Screening data is largely unavailable since the last Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) in 2013, with the exception of mammography rates in the Medicare Population. Issues identified in 2013 include disparities in women’s health screenings by education and income levels (women with no clinical breast exam; women with no pap test).
Union County has a higher than average rate of cancer incidence (number of new cases), regardless of type, than most US Counties. Prevalence of any type of cancer is particularly high in the Medicare Population. While prostate cancer and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma have high incidence rates within the county; it’s those who are diagnosed with breast cancer that see less than optimal survival rates. Rates of death from breast cancer are particularly high in Hispanic females in Union County. Cervical cancer incidence rates are also high for Hispanic females.
Screening data is largely unavailable since the last Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) in 2013, with the exception of mammography rates in the Medicare Population, which are lower than the US average. Issues identified in 2013 include disparities in women’s health screenings by education and income levels (women with no clinical breast exam; women with no pap test).
Sussex County:
Sussex County has a higher than average rate of cancer incidence (number of new cases), regardless of type, than most US Counties (All Cancer Incidence Rate). Prevalence of any type of cancer is particularly high in the Medicare Population. For all cancers, the age-adjusted rate of death is higher for males and White individuals. While melanoma, breast cancer and prostate cancer have high incidence rates within the county; it’s those who are diagnosed with breast cancer that see less than optimal survival rates. Rates of death from breast cancer are particularly high in Hispanic females in Sussex County. melanoma incidence (number of new cases) is higher for males than for females in this county. In addition, although county-wide rates of lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, non-Hodgkins lymphoma, oral cavity and pharynx cancer and colorectal cancer are within expected limits, men are more likely than women to experience a new case of these cancers.
Screening data is largely unavailable since the last Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) in 2013, with the exception of mammography rates in the Medicare Population, which are lower than the US average. Issues identified in 2013 include disparities in women’s health screenings by education and income levels (women with no clinical breast exam; women with no pap test).
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NJHC is collecting images, stories and videos that "Show Us What Health Looks Like". Click here to learn more and share your perspective."Your Words are More Powerful Than You Know"
A Scare Became A ScarMy vertical scar was crimson on my skin, 75 staples were stapled in. The scar was dark then, it saved my life – it’s where my darling surgeon skillfully used her knife.
I have no tattoos but I have my scar, it holds many stories like a tightly sealed jar.
The scar has miraculously faded now, when I glance at it, I’m reminded how…it’s not a defect upon my skin, for it’s within those cracks where the light gets in. This scar is mine and my second chance, I am not a victim of circumstance.
I’ve come to accept this scar on my belly where I’ve liberally applied the aloe vera jelly.
My vertical scar was crimson on my skin, but the soul inside is determined to win.
The scar was dark then; but then the healing came and renewed my strength like a refreshing rain.
A scar from a scare when I lost the “e”, it wasn’t the only thing removed from me.
Think Positive
Dear One,
If you are reading this letter, I assume that you are taking radiation therapy. I did too! I finished in August 2013 and had 25 sessions on the left breast.
Today the breast looks great, even after having had a double lumpectomy. The scars are fading beautifully and I even like looking at them. I still put lotion on the breast a few times a day and smile!
I know that this might seem like it is far down the road for you, but before you know it, you will be doing the same. Just take each treatment one day at a time and be gentle with yourself as Jean Marie always reminds us!
I remember stopping each day in the bathroom before going into treatment and there used to be a piece of artwork with wonderful affirmations on it that hung on the bathroom door. I would read this each day and it gave me courage and calmed me. One day, it disappeared!!! All of us missed it terribly, so Jean Marie got us affirmation cards by Louise L. Hay, whom I adore. Maybe they are still there! They are great!
I used to then go into the treatment room and bring my cd with mantras on it that I loved to listen to. I’d have them crank up the cd player before they left the room and kept my eyes closed and would pretend that I was in my Guru’s Temple in India listening to the chanting. This brought me great peace. I’d then follow up with stopping by and getting Healing Touch, Reiki, or take a hatha yoga class all in the Mind, Body Sanctuary. Once getting home, nap time. All of this was teaching me to love and care for myself, to nurture myself and receive love.
Since then, I’ve been taking art therapy at the hospital, which I LOVE! I never think about what to paint, it simply comes out and is teaching me to live my life one brush stroke at a time; in other words, “be in the present moment.” This has been bringing me much joy and the surprise is that this painting came to be and Jean Marie has offered to hang it up on the radiation bathroom door!
I hope that these affirmations will bring you peace and comfort. I read them each day and turn the artwork around in circles to see them all. The artwork was completed while on retreat at MARY’S PLACE in Ocean Grove, NJ. When I got home, I filled in the affirmations (varying authors).
I wish you peace, comfort, and contentment. You are beautiful and very much loved.
Naked
A beautiful crisp clear day in May. I fly open the bathroom window, I hear the breeze in the pine trees and see the clouds of lime green pollen swirling about. I shower in my Italian spa-inspired bathroom feeling relaxed. As I reach for the bisque& sage green-checkered bath sheet there is that fleeting second I forget about the scars that lie beneath.
I wipe the steam from the antique white-rimed mirror and catch my reflection; sadness quickly clothes my entire marred body.
There I stand NAKED! What a mess. What a f..king mess. Where does one begin to describe the Frankenstein surgical scars? The port that allowed poison to flow through my veins. My first mastectomy that was reconstructed from stretched stomach muscles leaving a 32-inch scar from hip to hip (okay my hip width is larger...move on) that is now sagging. Then the newly chopped off left breast, perky with expanders, that elongates my skin to who knows where or how far. The list is endless...I am officially the Bride of Frankenstein.
I sit down about to throw myself a pity party when I suddenly stand and say NO MORE! I am about life today. Screw cancer! I WILL NOT let it define me.
I slowly tiptoe over to the full-length mahogany mirror that's tucked in the far right corner of the spare bedroom and drop the towel, watching as it falls to my ankles. I stare into the reflection for what seems to be hours, studying the middle-aged, overweight, mutilated women staring back with tear-filled brown eyes.
I go inside, past the flesh, deep to my soul to rediscover and retrieve my kindness, my love for family, the abundance of friends I have who love and support me. I see a good decent person. I cause no harm or malice. I dig deep and pull all my good qualities to the reflection standing before me. I see the real me, naked, draped in bedazzled jewels of amethyst, sapphires, emeralds, rubies - and let's not forget diamonds - all shining my good qualities.
I am a daughter, a mother, a wife, a sister, and a grandmother, not a railway filled with tracks.
Naked, a word with many definitions, but as far as this writer is concerned; my nakedness is as pure as the day I was born. I know that when it's time to meet my maker I will be judged by my life's worth, NOT my scars.
PUSHING & PULLING
Like a 24 x 7 tug-of-war marathon, I am the rope that is constantly pulled and tugged, North to South, East to West, on a non-stop flight orbiting the planet of Cancer.
This powerful force pulls me to rounds of chemotherapy and pushes me to a cycle of side effects, pulling me through a looking glass of fear, panic, anxiety, and, ultimately, Hope!
Pulled into this miasma of injections of Kool-Aid colored drugs, I am hoping I will see a reflection of health at the end of this journey. Pull me, Dear God, to a land free of blood tests, scars and burning sensations. Instead, pull me to a destination free of pain, worry and chemo. Transport me to a jet airliner, pulling me on the runway to the land Cancer forgot!
I want to know the name of this Utopian world so I will recognize it when I see the stamp on my passport. I will not even mind if we are subjected to a delay on the tarmac. I will be patient knowing I am being pulled to the land of my dreams, where flowers bloom during droughts, and Cancer is extinct forever, defying the laws of nature as we once knew them.
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We asked leaders across North Jersey to share with us their perspective on what is working and what is not in producing healthy communities. Don't see your perspective here yet? Add your voice by answering a few brief questions.
What's Working?
- "We are providing a structured and supervised program for cancer survivors to rebuild cardiovascular endurance as well as muscle strength and range of motion."
What Needs to Change
- "There are many health issues plaguing our communities including obesity, diabetes and certain cancers that are preventable, treatable and sometimes even reversed with proper diet and nutrition."
- "We need to address cancer rates for breast and skin."
- “More tobacco education, support groups, free medicine to help individuals quit. Lobby the State of NJ to have $$ put in the budget. NJ is the only state in the Union to have no money in its budget and collects close to a billion in taxes dollars in settlement taxes and $2.70 on every pack.”
To download the full Key Informant results, click here. -
Cancer Education and Early Detection (Morristown Medical Center)Living with Cancer in Denville (Saint Clare's Health System)Have a program, initiative or strategy that is working to reduce cancer risk in North Jersey? Share it on our Key Informant Survey, and we'll get it listed here.
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
18.8 cases/ 100,000 population
This indicator shows the age-adjusted incidence rate for non-Hodgkin lymphoma in cases per 100,000 population.
Data Source: National Cancer Institute
