Reviewing the epidemiology of head and neck cancer: definitions, trends and risk factors

Abstract

Introduction Head and neck cancer appears to be increasing in incidence, with potential changes in aetiology proposed. This paper aims to provide a narrative overview of the epidemiological literature to describe the disease burden and trends in terms of incidence and mortality both in the UK and globally and to review the evidence on current risk factors.Methods A search was performed on multiple databases (PubMed and Epistemonikos), applying filters to identify systematic reviews and meta-analyses which investigated head and neck cancer incidence, mortality and risk factors. International and UK cancer registries and sources were searched for incidence and mortality data.Results Multiple definitions of head and neck cancer are employed in epidemiology. Globally, incidence rates have increased in recent decades, largely driven by oropharyngeal cancer. Mortality rates over the last decade have also started to rise, reflecting the disease incidence and static survival rates. Major risk factors include tobacco smoking alone and in combination with alcohol consumption, betel chewing (particularly in Southeast Asian populations) and the human papillomavirus in oropharyngeal cancer.Conclusions These epidemiological data can inform clinical and preventive service planning for head and neck cancer.

Qualitative interview study exploring the early identification and referral of patients with suspected head and neck cancer by community pharmacists in England

“…Major risk factors for HNC include alcohol and tobacco use, and HPV has been linked to increasing rates in the USA and Europe. 11 Pharmacists are already engaged with smoking cessation and alcohol services in community pharmacies. This may present opportunities to promote HNC risk and symptoms among those patients at highest risk.…”

“…9 10 Incidence rates of HNC are rising; risk factors for HNC include tobacco and alcohol use, and increasingly exposure to high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV). 11 Patients are often only diagnosed when the disease reaches an advanced stage. 10 Therefore, HNC represents an example of where there is a need to explore mechanisms for earlier identification and referral of patients with signs and symptoms suggestive of HNC.…”

Nanotheranostics-based Management of Head and Neck Cancer

“…However, with the advancement in the diagnosis and treatment modalities improvement has been seen in the survival of HNC patients, irrelevant of the stage. In addition, chemotherapy along with radiotherapy contribute about a 6.5% increment in the last five-year survival rate [3][4][5]. H&N usually initiates with the squamous cell present in vivid organs such as the oral cavity, larynx, pharynx, nasal, cavity and salivary gland.…”

The Influence of Radiation Therapy on Dental Implantation in Head and Neck Cancer Patients

“…Head and neck cancer is surprisingly very common, as a matter of fact head and neck cancer is the seventh most common cancer in the world [1][2]. It accounts for approximately 900,000 cases and over 400,000 deaths annually worldwide [3].…”

“…Vaccination against HPV has been recently reported to reduce prevalent oral HPV infection [9]. Mortality rates of head and neck cancers have started to increase within the last ten years, reflecting a rise in the incidence and static survival rates [1].…”