Head and Neck Cancer Incidence Trends in Taiwan, 1980 ~ 2014

Abstract

Background: Head and neck cancer (HNC) has become a burden in Taiwan especially with oral cancer becoming one of the highest incidence in the world. In this study, we evaluated recent trends in HNC incidence in Taiwan by subsite with projections through 2039. Methods: Data for this analysis included all cases of HNC diagnosed between 1980 and 2014 and reported to the national population-based cancer registry. Incidence rates were stratified by gender and anatomic subsite. Trends in incidence over time were measured using the estimated annual percentage change. Results: Between 1980 and 2014, 125,554 HNC cases were diagnosed with the majority diagnosed with oral cancer and in males. The age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) of HNC increased by 5.4% per year among males and 3.1% among females. During this period, the average annual percentage change (AAPC) of world-standardized incidence rates for oral, oropharyngeal, hypopharyngeal, and laryngeal cancers in men increased by 6.9%, 6.1%, 6.0% and 1.3%, respectively compared to women's rate of 3.6%, 3.7%, 1.6% and -0.1%, respectively. Projections show that oral and oropharyngeal cancer in males will continue to rise but then start to decline after 2025 while hypopharyngeal cancer will start to plateau after 2030. Conclusions: Taiwan has one of the highest incidence of HNC. Our results suggest that the increases in HNC incidence in Taiwan may be associated with the patterns of cigarette smoking and betel quid chewing habits in the population and therefore, it is critical to promote and educate the importance of reducing these habits..