[Descriptive epidemiology of upper aerodigestive tract cancers in the department of Somme].

The aim of this study is to show the epidemiologic features of upper aerodigestive tract cancers in the department of Somme. This study focused on the 1984-1995 period. For men, the upper aerodigestive tract cancers are the most frequent cancers in the Somme area. The incidence rate of pharynx cancers has shown slightly a decline over the past 10 years. The mortality rate of larynx cancers for males fell from 18.2 in 1984-1987 to 13.8 in 1992-1995 per 100,000. 5-year survival rates are between 20 and 39% for men, and from 23 to 42% for women. France has the highest incidence of these cancers in Europe. Within the country, the Somme area has a high risk for incidences and mortality as well. The results of this study indicate that upper aerodigestive tract cancers represent a serious problem for public health. Further areas need to be researched before such factors can be causally implicated in the aetiology of the disease in order to make up the prevention.