Cancer is a leading cause of death in Vermont, with 1,398 total deaths in 2020. The Vermont Department of Health will implement three Cancer Prevention and Control Programs: a Comprehensive Cancer Control (CCC) Program, a National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP), and the Vermont Cancer Registry (VCR).
CCC will continue collaborative activities through Vermont’s statewide cancer coalition, Vermonters Taking Action Against Cancer (VTAAC). Together, VT CCC and VTAAC will facilitate efforts to implement and evaluate the Vermont Cancer Plan. The Vermont Cancer Plan’s goals span the cancer journey, from prevention and screening through cancer therapy, survivorship, and advanced care planning. Emphasis will be placed on addressing populations known to be at higher risk. Key health equity populations of focus will include Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC), lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) Vermonters, people living with disabilities, low-income Vermonters and people living in rural areas of Vermont. Efforts will focus on working with interested collaborators to review the cancer experience within Vermont, identify key areas in need of improvement, develop collaborative approaches, address system changes and strategies, and leverage resources to maximize positive outcomes.
NBCCEDP will provide breast and cervical cancer screening services to eligible low-income uninsured and underinsured Vermonters. This funding will support the screening process through patient navigation, and connection to community resources. Additionally, this grant supports health systems work and the implementation of Evidence Based Interventions (EBI)s in clinics that serve populations that experience disparity, including BIPOC, LGBTQ+, Vermonters living with disabilities and people living in rural areas.
The Vermont Cancer Registry (VCR) was established in 1993, with the passage of the VCR Law (18 V.S.A. §§151-158) and with support from NPCR, as a part of Vermont’s comprehensive effort to lower the burden of cancer and prevent premature deaths. Data from the VCR are used to monitor efforts to reduce the burden of cancer among all Vermonters. VCR collects information about all cancers, except certain skin and non-invasive cervical cancers, and all benign brain-related tumors that are diagnosed in Vermont and among Vermont residents. It is a part of a statewide effort to reduce the impact of cancer on individuals, families and communities. Information from the VCR is published regularly including incidence, mortality, and 5-year survival for use by partners. Data for some health equity indicators are also collected by the VCR. These include geography, poverty level indicator, race and ethnicity, and sex. Our small population limits our ability to publish some data publicly, however, to the extent that we are able these results are disseminated and if not released publicly are used internally to help guide program efforts.