Epidemiological trends of oropharyngeal and oral cavity squamous cell carcinomas in Northern New England, 2000–2013

Abstract

Background

This study examines the epidemiological trends of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) and oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) in Northern New England.

Methods

Data were obtained from the Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont cancer registries. The age-standardized incidence rates (ASIR), age-specific incidence rates, and annual percentage changes (APC) for OPSCC and OCSCC were calculated using Joinpoint regression.

Results

The overall ASIR for OPSCC in Northern New England increased by 54.2% from 2000 to 2013 with an increase of 61.5% and 27.3% in men and women, respectively. Overall ASIR for OCSCC, on the other hand, declined throughout 2000 to 2013 by 6% and among men by 11%. In joinpoint analyses, the overall ASIRs for OPSCC significantly increased at an APC of 3.15 from 2000 to 2013, whereas the ASIRs for OCSCC remained stable at an APC of − 0.26. In men, ASIRs for OPSCC significantly increased (APC: 3.46), while that of OCSCC remained stable at an APC of − 0.87. In women, the ASIRs remained stable for both OPSCC and OCSCC at an APC of 1.97 and 0.49, respectively. For patients in the 6th decade of life, the age-specific incidence rates for OPSCC increased significantly at an APC of 3.06, also among those in the 7th and 8th decade with a significant increase at an APC of 4.98 and 3.51 per year, respectively. There were no significant changes in the APC of patients with OCSCC with respect to age group.

Conclusion

The overall incidence of OPSCC is increasing in Northern New England, specifically among men. Given the etiological association between OPSCC and HPV, vaccination against HPV should be effectively encouraged among the populace. The efforts on tobacco cessation, abstinence, and alcohol abuse control should be continually expanded in order to bring about a decreasing trend in OCSCC.

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