Head and neck cancer in Australia between 1982 and 2005 show increasing incidence of potentially HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancers

Abstract

Background: Although tobacco- and alcohol-associated head and neck cancers are declining in the developed world, potentially human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated oropharnygeal cancers are increasing. Methods: We analysed oropharyngeal and oral cavity cancer rates in Australia in 1982-2005. Cancers from the oropharynx (base of tongue, tonsil and other specific oropharyngeal sites) were classified as potentially HPV associated (n=8844); cancers in other oral cavity and oropharyngeal sites not previously associated with HPV were classified as comparison (n=28 379). Results: In 2000-2005, an average of 219, 159 and 110 cancers of the tonsil, base of tongue and other oropharyngeal sites were dia..