Disparities in head and neck cancer incidence and trends by race/ethnicity and sex

Background The epidemiology of head and neck cancer (HNC) sites differ substantially. This study compares HNC incidence trends by site and demographic subgroups. Methods We used the U.S. Cancer Statistics Public Use Database to calculate HNC incidence rates per 100 000. We assessed trends with annual percent change (APC) longitudinally from 2001 to 2017. Results The oropharyngeal cancer incidence APC decreased from 4.38% (95% CI: 3.6, 5.1) to 2.93% (2.5, 3.3) in 2008 among White males. Oral cavity cancer incidence rose in Other race males (APC 2.5% [1.6, 3.36]) and White females (APC: 0.96% [0.7, 1.2]). Although decreasing (APC: -1.15% [-1.48, -0.83]), laryngeal cancer incidence remained disproportionately high among Black males. Conclusions Notable incidence trends occurred in non-White groups at non-oropharyngeal sites. With parity of smoking rates by race, differing sexual behaviors, and shifting demographics by race and sex, future studies of HNC trends should consider stratifying analyses to understand health disparities.

Automated summary

The incidence of head and neck cancer varies by site and demographic subgroups. This study found notable trends in incidence rates among non-White groups and non-oropharyngeal sites. Future research should consider stratifying analyses to better understand health disparities, taking into account smoking rates, sexual behaviors, and shifting demographics.