Global Epidemiology of Head and Neck Cancers: A Continuing Challenge

Abstract

Background: Head and neck cancers (HNCs) continue to remain a significant public health burden worldwide, causing significant mortality and morbidity despite significant clinical advances enabling their early diagnosis and treatment. Methods: We used data from the GLOBOCAN 2012, Cancer Incidence in Five Continents, World Health Organization Mortality Database and Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results programmes to describe the current epidemiology of HNCs. Results: Estimated age-standardised incidence/mortality rates for cancers of the lip and oral cavity among males and females (7.0/2.3 and 2.6/0.6 per 100,000 per annum) in more developed regions are higher compared to those in less developed regions (5.0/2.8 and 2.5/1.4 per 100,000 per annum). Similarly, the estimated rates for cancers of the tonsils and pharynx among males (7.5/2.5 per 100,000 per annum) and females (2.7/0.5 per 100,000 per annum) are reported to be the highest in Western Europe, whereas these rates for cancer of the larynx among males (7.9/4.0 per 100,000 per annum) and females (0.9/0.5 per 100,000 per annum) are reported to be the highest in the Caribbean. Cancer of the nasopharynx represents a significant HNC burden in the Asia-Pacific region and Northern Africa. Conclusion: The current and future estimated burden of HNCs is shifting to less developed regions which may be ill equipped to deal with this increasing burden. This needs urgent attention of policy makers through effective cancer control policy implementation with population-based interventions.

Socioeconomic disparities in head and neck cancer patients’ access to cancer treatment centers

“…This number is expected to grow significantly in the coming decades, resulting in increased demand for treatment 2 …”

The incidence and mortality of lip and oral cavity cancer and its relationship to the 2012 Human Development Index of Asia

“…Although lip and oral cavity cancer accounts for less than 3% of all cancer cases worldwide, its low survival rate and adverse consequences on quality of life have garnered it to be considered as a significant public health problem; in fact, two thirds of its burden occurs in developing countries (Costa et al, 2016;Farah et al, 2014;Global Burden of Disease Cancer, 2015;Ribeiro et al, 2015;Torre et al, 2015;Warnakulasuriya, 2009 Since people who live in developing countries are exposed to a wider range of risk factors for cancer of the lip and oral cavity, the highest incidence rates are reported from these countries (Byakodi et al, 2012;de Camargo Cancela et al, 2010;Gupta et al, 2016;Rastogi et al, 2004). The most important risk factors of this cancer are tobacco use, alcohol, chewing tobacco, betel quid, poor eating habits, sun exposure, viral infections (especially HPV), and poor oral hygiene (de Camargo Cancela et al, 2010;Farah et al, 2014;Funk et al, 2002;Ribeiro et al, 2015;Warnakulasuriya, 2009).…”

“…Studies have shown that the incidence of lip and oral cavity cancer is higher in people with lower education and income (de Camargo Cancela et al, 2010;Farah et al, 2014;Jayalekshmi et al, 2009;Johnson et al, 2010;Ribeiro et al, 2015;Swaminathan et al, 2009). People with less education are at greater risk of lip and oral cavity cancer due to less awareness of cancer risk factors, poor sanitary habits, greater consumption of alcohol and tobacco, and use of chewing tobacco (Gupta et al, 2016;Hashibe et al, 2003;Videnovic et al, 2016;Warnakulasuriya, 2009). Also, people with less income are more likely to have this type of cancer due to limited access to dental care, poor oral hygiene, consumption of fewer fruits and vegetables, greater HPV risk, and less protection against the sun (Arnold et al, 2016;Farah et al, 2014;Guha et al, 2007;Johnson et al, 2010;Monteiro et al, 2013;Morris et al, 2000;Pavia et al, 2006 (Conway et al, 2008).…”

Physical Therapy in Patients with Cancer

“…Men are afected signiicantly more than women [51]. Head and neck cancer includes cancers of the mouth, nose, sinuses, salivary glands, throat, and lymph nodes in the neck.…”