A new study has highlighted shifting trends in head and neck cancers (HNCs) in Scotland, particularly focusing on the past two decades. Researchers analysed Scottish Cancer Registry data from 2001 to 2020 to explore changes in the incidence and sociodemographic factors of HNC and its subsites, including oral cavity cancer (OCC), oropharynx cancer (OPC), and larynx cancer.
The study found that while the overall incidence of HNCs and OCC remained relatively stable, there was a significant 78% rise in OPC cases. In contrast, larynx cancer saw a decline in incidence by 27%. Notably, the age profile of those affected by HNCs and OCC shifted slightly older, but this trend was not observed for OPC or larynx cancer.
Despite these changes in cancer rates, the sociodemographic characteristics of those affected, such as sex and socioeconomic status, remained largely unchanged. The study identified a slight increase in OCC rates among women, but no other substantial changes in sex distribution for HNCs were reported. Additionally, there were no notable shifts in the socioeconomic distribution of HNCs over the two-decade period.
The findings suggest that while certain types of head and neck cancers are becoming more prevalent, the sociodemographic profile of affected populations has remained consistent. This information could be crucial for developing targeted prevention and control strategies for head and neck cancers in Scotland.
Helena Bradbury, EMJ
Reference
Smith C et al. Head and neck cancer incidence is rising but the sociodemographic profile is unchanging: a population epidemiological study (2001–2020). BJC Reports. 2024;2(71).
