The CancerWeb Report, What's New In Cancer: March, 1996
Head and Neck Cancer

• Why are cancers of the oral cavity and pharynx becoming more common? - The increasing incidence of oral and pharyngeal cancers attracted the attention of researchers in Scotland. They found a decrease in survival rates for these cancers from 47% to 39% in those younger than 65, comparing the periods 1968-1972 and 1983- 1987. On the other hand, the rates for those over 65 rose slightly from 34% to 38%. The suggestion from the data collected is that the decreased survival is occurring in the most deprived areas of Scotland, and may relate to later presentation with more advanced disease. The authors discuss findings in the US where survival rates for white males are steady while those for black males are declining. (Macfarlane, British Journal Cancer 73:805, 1996)