See who is eligible to get a vaccine now. Registration for people 75 and older will begin on January 25. Sign up to get weekly email updates!
Cancer
Cancer
Cancer is any disease where uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells occurs in the body. Approximately four out of 10 men and women in the U.S. will develop cancer in their lifetime.
In Vermont each year, approximately 3,600 Vermonters are diagnosed and 1,300 die from some form of cancer. Cancer is now the leading cause of death for Vermonters. Our Comprehensive Cancer Control Program works with partners to reduce the burden of cancer in the state.
To see how we're doing in Vermont: Cancer Performance Scorecard
Cancer develops gradually as a result of many different factors related to lifestyle choices, environment and genetics. Anyone can develop cancer, including children. However, the risk of being diagnosed with cancer increases with age, and most cancers occur in adults who are older. Behaviors such as tobacco use, alcohol use, diet, physical inactivity, and overexposure to sunlight can increase the risk of developing certain cancers.
When cancer is found and treated early, a person’s chance for survival is much better. Screening tests, including those available for breast, cervical, colorectal, and lung cancers, help to detect cancer at an early stage when treatment works best.
The plan represents the work of the Vermont Department of Health's Comprehensive Cancer Control Program, Vermonters Taking Action Against Cancer and many other organizations and individuals throughout the state. Our goal is to reduce the burden of cancer in the state over the next five years.
The Health Department carries out surveillance to measure the burden of cancer in Vermont to help us and our many partners to effectively reduce the impact of cancer statewide.
A comprehensive collection of health data is used to monitor cancer in Vermont. The Vermont Cancer Registry, a statewide cancer surveillance system, collects information on all cases of cancer diagnosed and treated in Vermont. Other sources of data, such as population health surveys and vital records provide high-quality cancer reporting.
In This Section
Cancer develops gradually as a result of many different factors related to lifestyle choices, environment and genetics. Anyone can develop cancer, but many cancers can be prevented.
Early detection of cancer in people without symptoms (also called screening) can help to find and treat cancer early, leading to better outcomes.
Once cancer is diagnosed, prompt and thorough medical treatment and complementary care are essential to prolonging a patient’s life, decreasing side effects and improving quality of life.
A cancer survivor is anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer, from the time of diagnosis through the rest of their life.