Updated: February 2023

Author: Cancer Program, Vermont Department of Health

Cancer affects thousands of Vermonters and is the state's leading cause of death. One in two men and one in three women will develop cancer in their lifetime. Each year, over 3,400 Vermonters are diagnosed with cancer, and more than 1,200 Vermonters die from the disease. The “Cancer mortality” indicator helps the state evaluate progress against cancer goals.

Cancer death rates have been gradually declining in Vermont and the U.S. since 2000. While overall cancer mortality rates are similar between VT and the U.S. (2008-2012), some specific types of cancer mortality rates are significantly different in Vermont than the U.S. (such as higher mortality rates in Vermont for female lung cancer and male bladder cancer (2008-2012)).

Numerous cancers are linked to behaviors including: 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 the use of tobacco products. Cancer rates increase with age, which is an issue in Vermont and the nation as the population continues to age.

The early detection of cancers such as breast, cervical and colorectal 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 has increased, which demonstrates progress towards our cancer goals. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) attributes the decline in cancer death rates nationally to “important progress in the fight against cancer that has been achieved through effective tobacco control, screening, early detection, and appropriate treatment”.

Despite the decrease in mortality, cancer remains a major burden and there is much room for improvement. Support for the clinical and public health infrastructure for prevention, early diagnosis, treatment and cancer surveillance remain vital.

Tracking and monitoring the mortality rate of a disease can provide important insights into the health of a community. It allows for the Vermont Department of Health understand the characteristics of who is dying and from what causes, determine life expectancy and compare the health of Vermonters to trends happening across the country. It also allows for public health officials to monitor the burden of disease, raise of awareness and craft public health responses.

Cancer is a leading cause of death. Each year, over 3,400 Vermonters are diagnosed with cancer, and more than 1,200 Vermonters die from the disease. This measure will assist Vermont in measuring our success in making improvements in cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment, contributing to fewer Vermonters dying from cancer.

This indicator is part of Healthy Vermonters 2020 (the State Health Assessment) that documents the health status of Vermonters at the start of the decade and the population health indicators and goals that will guide the work of public health through 2020. Click here for more information.

This indicator is also aligned with the Healthy People 2020 leading health indicator (objective C-1), Reduce the overall cancer death rate (http://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics-objectives/topic/cancer/objectives).

Vermonters Taking Action Against Cancer (VTAAC)

Vermont Department of Health Offices of Local Health

American Cancer Society

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

University of Vermont Cancer Center

American Lung Association

The number of new cancer cases can be reduced and many cancer deaths can be prevented through a comprehensive strategy:

• Prevention of cancer through promotion of healthy lifestyle behaviors (tobacco prevention, increased physical activity, improved nutrition, sun safety) and vaccinations (such as for human papilloma virus (HPV)).
• Early detection of cancer through screening for breast, cervical, colorectal, skin and lung cancers, to find these diseases at an early stage when treatment works best.
• Effective treatment of cancer to result in better outcomes and decreased mortality.

Within each of these categories there are many proven approaches that decrease cancer incidence and mortality. A comprehensive approach focusing on cancer prevention, early detection and treatment is the most effective way to impact cancer mortality outcomes in Vermont.

The 2025 Vermont Cancer Plan, published by the Vermont Department of Health Comprehensive Cancer Control Program and statewide cancer coalition Vermonters Taking Action Against Cancer (VTAAC), provides a strategic roadmap for reducing the burden of cancer in Vermont. The plan includes  measurable objectives as priorities for action in the following areas:

• Health Equity
• Cancer Prevention
• Cancer Early Detection
• Cancer Directed Therapy & Supportive Care
• Survivorship & Advanced Care Planning

Through the Vermont Cancer Plan, the Department of Health focuses and prioritizes the numerous efforts carried out statewide to reduce behaviors that are cancer risk factors, increase early detection of cancers, and provide access to quality cancer treatment for all Vermonters. The combined work of these Departmental Programs and partners influences the overall burden of cancer in Vermont.

Data is updated as it becomes available and timing may vary by data source. For more information about this indicator, click here.

This indicator is age-adjusted to the 2000 U.S. standard population. In U.S. data, age adjustment is used for comparison of regions with varying age breakdowns. In order to remain consistent with the methods of comparison at a national level, some statistics in Vermont were age adjusted. In cases where age adjustment was noted as being part of the statistical analysis, the estimates were adjusted based on the proportional age breakdowns of the U.S. population in 2000. For more detailed information on age adjustment visit /www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/statnt/statnt20.pdf.