Prevention of cancers of oral cavity and pharynx in New York State.

Cancers of the oral cavity and pharynx affect a significant number of people in New York State. The disease incidence has not changed in the past three decades. Despite dramatic improvements in surgical and reconstructive techniques in that time, the overall mortality rates for oral and pharyngeal cancer remain relatively unchanged. The overall five-year survival rate for persons with oral and pharyngeal cancer is only 52%. Although the risk factors are known and lesions in the oral cavity and pharynx are easily accessible for early detection, the lack of progress in controlling this cancer is perplexing. The lack of awareness of the disease burden and the risk factors, the tendency for occurrence in lower socioeconomic and poorly compliant populations, and the lack of a simple screening test have hindered progress.