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

Gormley, Mark, Creaney, Grant, Schache, Andrew, Ingarfield, Kate and Conway, David I. 2022. Reviewing the epidemiology of head and neck cancer: definitions, trends and risk factors. British Dental Journal 233 (9) , pp. 780-786. 10.1038/s41415-022-5166-x

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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.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Published Online
Status:	Published
Schools:	Medicine
Additional Information:	License information from Publisher: LICENSE 1: URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/, Type: open-access
Publisher:	Springer Nature [academic journals on nature.com]
ISSN:	0007-0610
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	17 November 2022
Date of Acceptance:	11 October 2022
Last Modified:	07 Jun 2023 08:52
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/154292

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