It is estimated that about 20% of all cancers and 30% of all cancer deaths in the United States are attributable to smoking. 

The rate of smoking in our catchment area ranges from 10.4% to 18.4%. For comparison, 12.9% of adults in the U.S. currently smoke. 

Smoking rates are particularly high in northern New York state and the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont.

People living in poverty are more likely to die from cancer. For reference, 12.4% of Americans are living below the poverty line.

Although cancer can be diagnosed at any age, cancer risk increases substantially in older adults, especially those over 60 years old. 

Vermont has the third oldest population among the states. For comparison, 16.8% of Americans are over the age of 64.

Physical inactivity is linked to increased cancer risk. For comparison, 23.7% of US adults report being physically inactive. 

Incidence: The rate of new cancers in Vermont and northern New York state is similar to the US. 

Mortality: The rate of cancer deaths is higher in our region compared to the rest of the country.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in our region. 

Breast cancer is the 4th leading cause of cancer-related deaths in our region.

Lung cancer is the 2nd most common cancer diagnosed in our region. Lung cancer rates are particularly high in northern New York state. In fact, if the six counties in northern New York were a state, it would have the third highest rate of lung cancer in the country. 

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in our region. Compared to the rest of the country, people in our area are statistically more likely to die from lung cancer. 

Prostate cancer is the 3rd most common cancer diagnosed in our region.

Prostate cancer is responsible for the 5th most cancer deaths in our region. 

Colorectal cancer is the 4th most common cancer in our region.

Colorectal cancer is responsible for the 2nd most cancer deaths in our region.

Vermont has the 3rd highest incidence rate of melanoma in the country.