Updated: February, 2024

Author: Cancer Program, Vermont Department of Health

This indicator, or population measure, is part of our Healthy Vermonters 2030 data set. Read more about how this data helps us understand and improve the well-being of people in Vermont on the Healthy Vermonters 2030 webpage.

Because this data is meant to show how the health of our state changes during the decade from 2020-2030, some indicators may have very few data points for now. Keep checking back to see the progress our public health system and partners are making.

We want to see the rate of deaths from cancer in Vermont to decrease to 140 or less per 100,000 people by 2030.

Cancer death rates have continued to gradually decline in Vermont and the U.S. however, Vermont’s cancer death rate is higher than the U.S. rate (2016-2020). The greatest number of deaths are from cancers of the lung, prostate, and colorectum in men and cancers of the lung, breast, and colorectum in women.

Looking for more data?

• Look at previous data on cancer deaths from our 2020 Scorecards.
• See the corresponding national Healthy People 2030 objective for reducing the overall cancer death rate.

Cancer is a leading cause of death among Vermonters. One in two men and one in three women will develop cancer in their lifetime. Each year, over 3,900 Vermonters are diagnosed with cancer, and more than 1,300 Vermonters die from the disease. The “Cancer mortality” indicator helps the state evaluate progress against cancer goals.

Many cancers have been linked to tobacco and alcohol use, diet, physical inactivity, and overexposure to sunlight. Approximately one-third of all cancer deaths in the United States are linked to diet and physical activity, including being overweight or obese, while about another third are caused by tobacco products. Cancer incidence and cancer deaths increase with age, with Vermont and the nation continuing to have an aging population.

Learn more about the incidence of various cancers and the impact on different populations in Vermont in the Department of Health 2023 Cancer Data Pages.

The early detection of cancers through nationally recognized cancer screening tests has a significant impact on cancer survival. The prognosis and treatment of cancer is largely determined by the stage of the disease. Vermonters with cancers diagnosed at an early stage have a much better chance of long-term survival than those diagnosed at a late stage.

As the overall cancer death rate has declined in Vermont and the U.S., the numbers of cancer survivors have increased, which demonstrates progress towards our cancer goals. Progress is attributed to effective tobacco control, screening, early detection, and advances in treatment.

Despite the decrease in mortality, cancer continues to impact Vermonters and there is much room for improvement. Support for the clinical and public health infrastructure for prevention, early diagnosis, treatment, and cancer surveillance remain important.

The 2025 Vermont Cancer Plan is Vermont’s roadmap for addressing cancer. It represents the work of the Vermont Department of Health Comprehensive Cancer Control Program, Vermonters Taking Action Against Cancer (VTAAC) and many other organizations and individuals throughout the state to reduce the burden of cancer in Vermont over the next five years. Vermont's Cancer Plan goals include preventing, detecting, and treating cancer, as well as improving the lives of cancer survivors and their families.

Learn more about the Vermont Cancer Registry, which collects and reports data about all cancer or tumor diagnosis or treatment in Vermont.

Find even more data and information about cancer and its impact in Vermont on the Department of Health Cancer Data webpage.