Updated: February 2023

Author: Cancer Program, Vermont Department of Health

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S. and Vermont. Melanoma is the least common, but most serious, form of skin cancer. Vermont has one of the highest rates of melanoma incidence in the United States. Most cases of skin cancer, including melanoma, are associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Sunburns, especially during childhood, significantly increase an individual’s melanoma risk. An intermittent pattern of sun exposure over many years and having at least one severe, blistering sunburn significantly increases melanoma risk. The use of tanning devices before the age of 35 also significantly increase the risk of developing melanoma.

Seventy-three percent of Vermont high school students reported having had at least one sunburn in the past year. Of those who were sunburned, 42% had three or more sunburns. Sunburn rates do not differ by grade level (YRBS 2019).

The rate of sunburns among high school students increased significantly from 2015 to 2019.  Updated data has been delayed due to Covid.

Vermont has one of the highest incidence rates of melanoma in the country. Most cases of skin cancer, including melanoma, can be prevented by reducing exposure to UV radiation. With an increased focus on skin cancer prevention strategies among youth, it is expected that sunburn rates will decrease, which would result in a long-term decrease in the melanoma incidence rate.

This indicator was added to Healthy Vermonters 2020 in 2016 in recognition that childhood sunburns are a risk factor for melanoma. Health Vermonters 2020 (the State Health Assessment) documents the health status of Vermonters and the population health indicators and goals that will guide the work of public health through 2020.

This indicator was also included as an objective in the 2025 Vermont Cancer Plan.

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.

The Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) is a survey administered in Vermont middle and high schools every two years since 1993. The survey is sponsored by the Department of Health's Division of Substance Use, and the Department of Education’s Coordinated School Health Programs and the CDC. The YRBS measures the prevalence of behaviors that contribute to the leading causes of death, disease, and injury among youth. Vermont surveys over 30,000 students at each administration. Weighted data is compiled to generate a representative state sample, and local data is used by schools, supervisory unions, health programs and other local organizations. The YRBS is completed in over 40 other states, and there is a national weighted sample for comparison.