Epidemiology of head and neck cancer: Magnitude of the problem

Abstract

Head and neck cancer comprises squamous cell carcinomas of the upper aerodigestive tract. There are similarities in their natural history, epidemiology and control. For these cancers premalignant changes can be identified. Smoking and drinking are the major risk factors. The geographical variations in incidence and mortality are indicative of differences in the prevalence of risk factors between countries. The dramatic increase in head and neck cancers is cause for great concern, particularly in Central-Eastern Europe. The great majority of these cancers could be prevented by reducing the prevalence of established risk factors. Screening could be used to detect both precancerous lesions and early invasive cancers; however, no study as yet has demonstrated a reduced incidence and mortality resulting from screening. When setting strategies for prevention, the socioeconomic differentials in incidence and mortality from head and neck cancers need to be taken into account.

Trends in Incidence of Head and Neck Cancer in the Northern Territory, Australia, between 2007 and 2010

“…HNC cases were classified as per the "International Classification Disease" (ICD) coding system of World Health Organisation (WHO) (Dobrossy, 2005). The term "International Classification Disease for Oncology" (ICD-O) often used at Royal Darwin Hospital at the time of diagnosis of sub-types of HNC.…”

Incidence and Mortality from Mucosal Head and Neck Cancers amongst Australian States and Territories: What It Means for the Northern Territory

“…The International Classification Disease (ICD) coding system of World Health Organisation (WHO) is widely used in the international database for HNC (Döbróssy, 2005). The termed as International Classification of Disease for Oncology (ICD-O) often used in the hospital at the time of diagnosis of sub-types of HNC.…”

“…The successful treatment of these patients depends on early detection and the right therapy (Rezende et al, 2010). HNC is strongly associated with certain environmental and lifestyle risk factors including tobacco use and alcohol consumption, UV light and certain strains of HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) (Döbróssy, 2005).…”

An Australian Retrospective Study to Evaluate the Prognostic Role of p53 and eIF4E Cancer Markers in Patients with Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC): Study Protocol

“…Almost 90% of HNSCC originating from the mucosal lining of these regions (Dobrossy, 2005). HNSCC is strongly associated with certain environmental and lifestyle risk factors including tobacco smoking and high alcohol consumption (Dobrossy, 2005).…”