Early Detection and Screening

Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death for Vermont men and women.

Colorectal cancer is caused by abnormal growths, called polyps, which form inside the colon and rectum and can become cancerous. In many cases, regular screening can prevent colorectal cancer altogether because polyps can be found and removed before they turn into cancer. Screening is also important because it can find colorectal cancer early, when it is highly curable.

Regular screening, beginning at age 45 (for average-risk individuals) is the key to reducing the burden of colorectal cancer. Several screening options are available.

Cervical cancer screening can detect cervical cancer at an early stage when it is easiest to treat. Screening can also find abnormalities of and changes to the cervix before they progress to cancer. Since few women with cervical cancer have symptoms or signs that indicate a problem, widespread screening for early detection is critical. Asymptomatic women with average risk for cancer should begin regular screening for cervical cancer at age 21.

Cervical cancer occurs primarily among women infected with the human papillomavirus (HPV). Male and female adolescents should receive the HPV vaccine to prevent the many cancers associated with HPV.

Learn more about the HPV vaccine and childhood immunization

Learn about free cervical and breast cancer screening through You First

Breast and skin cancers are the most commonly diagnosed cancers in Vermont women, and breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women.

Mammography is the best available method to detect breast cancer in its earliest, most treatable stage. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force guidelines state that average-risk women should begin screening with mammography every two years starting at age 40, through age 74. 

Learn about free cervical and breast cancer screening through You First (formerly Ladies First)

Lung cancer is the number one cause of cancer death in Vermont and the U.S. The majority of lung cancers are diagnosed in late stages of the disease when treatment is mostly ineffective.

Until recently, there were no screening tests for detecting lung cancers at an early stage. Screening guidelines were developed in 2013 for high-risk individuals, based on their smoking history and age. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force guidelines state that adults aged 50 to 80 years who have a 20 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 year should be screened annually for lung cancer. This screening method uses low dose computed tomography to detect abnormalities in the lungs.

While lung cancer screening is important, it should not be considered a substitute for quitting smoking. Tobacco Cessation strategies should continue to be emphasized.

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Vermont men and is a leading cause of cancer death among Vermont men.

 Cancer of the prostate is often slow growing. Many men who develop prostate cancer never have symptoms and do not benefit from treatment. The treatment for prostate cancer can often cause moderate to substantial side effects, such as erectile dysfunction, urinary incontinence and bowel dysfunction.

Due to the effects of treatment and gaps in the currently available early detection methods, screening for prostate cancer is not universally endorsed. Health care providers should carry out prostate cancer risk assessment with adult male patients and have open conversations with patients who have questions about prostate cancer and PSA screening.

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 are utilized to provide high-quality cancer reporting. These data help us work to effectively reduce the burden of cancer in our state.

Learn more from Vermont cancer data reports and publications

• Vermont Cancer Plan
• Vermonters Taking Action Against Cancer 
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Cancer Screening Tests