Updates on larynx cancer epidemiology.

OBJECTIVE

Laryngeal cancer is an important oncologic entity, whose prognosis depends on establishing appropriate preventive and diagnostic measures, especially in populations at higher risk.

METHODS

Epidemiologic information including worldwide incidence, prevalence, burden of health loss (disability-adjusted life year; DALYs) and mortality of larynx cancer was obtained from the Global Health Data Exchange (GHDx) database.

RESULTS

The current incidence, prevalence and mortality of laryngeal cancer are estimated at 2.76 cases/year per 100,000 inhabitants, 14.33 cases/year per 100,000 inhabitants and 1.66 deaths/year per 100,000 inhabitants, respectively, averaging 3.28 million DALYs each year. Incidence and prevalence have increased by 12% and 24%, respectively during the past 3 decades, whilst mortality has declined by around 5%. The epidemiologic burden of this malignancy is approximately 5-fold higher in males and increases in parallel with ageing, peaking after 65 years of age. Both incidence and mortality rates are higher in Europe and lower in Africa, but the ratio between deaths and incidence is the highest in Africa. Incidence has gradually declined in Europe during the past 3 decades, whilst it has increased in South-East Asia and Western Pacific. Cigarette smoking and alcohol abuse contribute for about 90% of overall worldwide mortality for laryngeal cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

Laryngeal cancer still poses a high clinical and societal burden, with an escalating temporal trend not expected to reverse soon.