Updated: February 2023

Author: Cancer Program, Vermont Department of Health

Approximately 7% of Vermont adults (39,000 people) are living with a current or previous cancer diagnosis (BRFSS 2021). Vermont’s large aging population, combined with significant innovations in early detection and improvements in medical treatment, result in more people than ever living with cancer. A cancer diagnosis can be a tremendous burden. Long-term and late effects of cancer treatment may arise during or after treatment and may persist throughout a patient’s lifetime.

There is no significant, measurable trend in the percentage of Vermont adult cancer survivors who report good to excellent general health since 2008 when this measure first started to be tracked. The Healthy Vermonters 2020 goal of 85% has not yet been achieved.

The percent of Vermonters with a cancer diagnosis reporting good to excellent general health is significantly lower than among those without a cancer diagnosis (BRFSS 2019, 2020).

While we do not know what factors are causing Vermont cancer survivors to respond that they have lower general health, we do know that survivors in Vermont are more likely to be older and are more likely to report several chronic conditions than those without a cancer diagnosis.  Historically, cancer survivors in Vermont were more likely to report higher risk factors as well, such as tobacco use, obesity, poor nutrition and lack of physical actively, though recent data show that Vermont cancer survivors report smoking, having obesity, eating at least 5 fruits and vegetables each day and meeting physical activity recommendations at similar rates as those without a cancer diagnosis.  In general, however, cancer survivors face unique challenges to physical health and the maintenance of a healthy lifestyle. Survivors may also need ongoing monitoring for cancer recurrence and the development of new cancers.

Survivors need access to a variety of resources to manage the physical and mental challenges that may develop or persist following treatment. This includes the provision of regular follow-up care such as routine checkups and other cancer screenings to detect new or returning cancers early, identify side effects of cancer treatment, and reinforce preventive behaviors such as tobacco cessation, increased physical activity and improved nutrition.

Cancer is a significant burden for many Vermonters, with about 7% of Vermont adults living with a current or previous cancer diagnosis. Cancer survivors face unique challenges to their physical and emotional health. This measure is important in assessing the general health of Vermont cancer survivors to assure individuals are aware of and accessing a variety of resources to manage their physical and psychological issues during and after treatment.

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 developmental objective C-14 which is to “increase the mental and physical health-related quality of life of cancer survivors” (http://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics-objectives/topic/cancer/objectives). It is also included as an objective in the Vermont State Cancer Plan: http://healthvermont.gov/pubs/cancerpubs/state_cancer_plan.aspx.

Vermonters Taking Action Against Cancer (VTAAC)

Vermont Department of Health Offices of Local Health

American Cancer Society

Cancer can be perceived as a chronic condition and recommendations are emerging for long-term survivorship care. It is difficult to measure the outcomes of strategies specifically addressing the health needs of cancer survivors due to variations in cancer type, treatment and individual socioeconomic characteristics. However, some of the basic tenants of health care delivery and support that are known to improve physical health for the general population also apply to cancer survivors.

After treatment ends, cancer survivors should receive regular follow-up care. This includes routine checkups and other cancer screenings specific to their needs. This can help to detect new or returning cancers early and identify side effects of cancer treatment. Survivors can also improve their treatment outcomes and lower their risk of developing a new or secondary cancer by living a healthy lifestyle. Examples of healthy behaviors include:

• Avoiding tobacco
• Limiting alcohol use
• Avoiding too much exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun and tanning beds
• Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables
• Keeping a healthy weight
• Being physically active

Connecting individuals with programs that promote improved healthy lifestyle behaviors is an important strategy that supports health maintenance and improvements for cancer survivors.

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.

Due to BRFSS weighting methodology changes beginning in 2011, comparisons between data collected in 2011 and later and that from 2010 and earlier should be made with caution. Differences between data from 2011 forward and earlier years may be due to methodological changes, rather than changes in opinion or behavior.

Cancer survivorship is synonymous with cancer prevalence at the Vermont Department of Health. It is important to note that the definition has changed over the years and because of this change, comparisons between cancer prevalence and survivorship data collected in 2011 and later and that from 2010 and earlier should be made with caution. Since 2011, a cancer survivor is defined as anyone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer, excluding those who have ever been diagnosed with skin cancer.

Data is updated as it becomes available, and timing may vary by data source.