Current Prevention and Detection VTAAC Activities

Lung Cancer Screening Taskforce

HPV Taskforce

Skin Cancer Taskforce

Colorectal Cancer Taskforce

Taskforce Mission

Activities focus on preventing cancer from occurring or recurring and detecting cancer at its earliest stages. Most recent work: Cancer Screening Guidelines one-pager

Why a Prevention & Detection Taskforce?

Meeting Information

Many cancers are thought to result from more than one risk factor. A risk factor for cancer is a condition or an activity that increases a person’s chance of developing a particular type of cancer. There is a wide range of risk factors associated with different types of cancers. Behavioral choices like over-exposure to ultraviolet light, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, poor diet, and lack of physical activity can increase a person’s chance of getting cancer.

One of the primary ways to reduce the impact of cancer on Vermonters is to reduce the risk factors that can lead to cancer among Vermonters. Another is through regular screening tests. Cancers of the colon (large intestine) and cervix can actually be prevented by screening, since abnormal tissue can be found and removed before becoming cancerous.

Although not all types of cancers are preventable many can be prevented by stopping smoking, increasing physical activity, and eating a healthy diet that is low in fat, moderate in calories and high in fiber. These healthy lifestyle choices also significantly reduce the risk of other chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes.

This groups meets quarterly for 60 minutes. Please reach out for specific dates and to be added to the invite list by contacting coordinator@vtaac.org.

Prevention & Detection Taskforce Chair

Lisa Purvis, EdD, MPH, MBA

Director, Community Outreach and Engagement, Dartmouth Cancer Center

As a public health specialist, I have a life-long interest in community-based efforts to improve the health and well-being of residents. As a Vermonter, I am particularly interested in the health status of Vermonters and the health system and services available in Vermont. I hope that I can contribute to programs and initiatives that will benefit Vermonters.

To learn more about our current Cancer Prevention goals and objectives, see the 2025 Vermont State Cancer Plan.