Head and Neck Cancer - Epidemiology

Epidemiology

The number of new cases of head and neck cancers in the United States was 40,490 in 2006, accounting for about 3% of adult malignancies. 11,170 patients died of their disease in 2006. The worldwide incidence exceeds half a million cases annually. In North America and Europe, the tumors usually arise from the oral cavity, oropharynx, or larynx, whereas nasopharyngeal cancer is more common in the Mediterranean countries and in the Far East. In Southeast China and Taiwan, head and neck cancer, specifically nasopharyngeal cancer is the most common cause of death in young men.

• In 2008, there were 22,900 cases of oral cavity cancer, 12,250 cases of laryngeal cancer, and 12,410 cases of pharyngeal cancer in the United States.
• In 2002, 7,400 Americans were projected to die of these cancers.
• More than 70% of throat cancers are at an advanced stage when discovered.
• Men are 89% more likely than women to be diagnosed with, and are almost twice as likely to die of, these cancers.
• African Americans are disproportionately affected by head and neck cancer, with younger ages of incidence, increased mortality, and more advanced disease at presentation. Laryngeal cancer incidence is higher in African Americans relative to white, Asian and Hispanic populations. There is a lower survival rate for similar tumor states in African Americans with head and neck cancer.
• Smoking and tobacco use are directly related to oropharyngeal (throat) cancer deaths.
• Head and neck cancer increases with age, especially after 50 years. Most patients are between 50 and 70 years old.