Statistics of Head and Neck Cancer

Head and Neck Cancer | Cancer Screening and Prevention | Health ...

Executive Summary

Head and neck cancers account for around 4% of all cancers in the United States. It is estimated that approximately 66,630 people- 17,890 women and 48,740 men will develop head and neck cancer this year. The probability of men developing the cancer is twice that of women developing cancer. The reports reveal that around 14,620 deaths (3,980 women and 10,640 men) are expected due to head and neck cancers. Additionally, researchers claim that about 68000 men and women will be diagnosed with head and neck cancers in 2021. Head and neck cancers are mostly diagnosed among people above 50 years of age than among younger people. The five-year survival rate of people with head and neck cancers depends on many factors such as type, stage, grade, and risk of the tumor possesses—the lower the risk, the better the treatment and care outcome.

Statistics of Head and Neck Cancer

Head and neck cancers usually start in the squamous cells that line the mucosal surface of the head and neck region moreover, these cancers can occur in the oral cavity, throat or pharynx, larynx or voice box, paranasal sinuses, nasal cavity, salivary glands etc.

Head and neck cancers account for around 4% of all cancers in the United States. It is estimated that approximately 66,630 people- 17,890 women and 48,740 men will develop head and neck cancer this year ​1​. Head and neck cancers are more common among men than among women additionally, the probability of men developing the cancer is twice that of women developing cancer. Estimates also show that around 14,620 deaths (3,980 women and 10,640 men) are expected due to head and neck cancers this year.

Head and neck cancers are diagnosed among people above 50 years of age than among younger people. Researchers claim that around 68000 men and women were diagnosed with head and neck cancers in 2021 moreover, the most common head and neck cancers diagnosed are throat, mouth, voice box etc. the least common types of head and neck reported are salivary gland cancer, paranasal sinus and nasal cavity cancer ​2​.

Survival rates can vary from one disease condition to another. Each type of head and neck cancer has different rates of survival. The survival rates largely depend on the type, stage, grade, and risk the tumour possesses. The lower the risk, the better the treatment and care outcome.

Survival Rate

The 5-year survival rate describes the percentage of people who survive for at least five years post disease diagnosis. The five-year survival rate of people with head and neck cancers depends on many factors. Patients should talk with their doctor or healthcare team to understand their disease condition. They should ask questions to the doctor regarding their prognosis.

Also, the figures mentioned above concerning head and neck cancers are estimates, subject to change with time. Also, the statistics may not portray the best diagnostic procedures and treatments available to treat head and neck cancer. The doctor or healthcare team will be able to help in such matters.

References

  1. 1.
    Marur S, Forastiere AA. Head and Neck Cancer: Changing Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. Published online April 2008:489-501. doi:10.4065/83.4.489
  2. 2.
    Argirion I, Zarins KR, Defever K, et al. Temporal Changes in Head and Neck Cancer Incidence in Thailand Suggest Changing Oropharyngeal Epidemiology in the Region. JGO. Published online December 2019:1-11. doi:10.1200/jgo.18.00219