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

Gormley, M., Creaney, G. , Schache, A., Ingarfield, K. and Conway, D. I. (2022) Reviewing the epidemiology of head and neck cancer: definitions, trends and risk factors. British Dental Journal, 233(9), pp. 780-786. (doi: 10.1038/s41415-022-5166-x) (PMID:36369568)

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: Articles
• Additional Information: This work is supported by a European Union Horizon 2020 research and innovation grant agreement (Grant Creaney, David I. Conway: grant number 825771), the Wellcome Trust via a GW4-Clinical Academic Training PhD Fellowship (Mark Gormley: grant number 220530/Z/20/Z) and NHS National Services Scotland studentship (Kate Ingarfield, David I. Conway).
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Creaney, Mr Grant and Conway, Professor David
• Authors: Gormley, M., Creaney, G., Schache, A., Ingarfield, K., and Conway, D. I.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
• Journal Name: British Dental Journal
• Publisher: Springer Nature
• ISSN: 0007-0610
• ISSN (Online): 1476-5373
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2022 The Authors
• First Published: First published in British Dental Journal 233(9): 780-786
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

Project Code	Award No	Project Name	Principal Investigator	Funder's Name	Funder Ref	Lead Dept
303648		HEADSPACE	David Conway	European Commission (EC)	825771	Med - Dental School