Menu UNDERSTANDING HEAD AND NECK CANCER HEAD AND NECK CANCER JOURNEY “The mental attitude when you deal with things like this is incredibly important.” -William, head and neck cancer survivor. IN THE U.S. ... an estimated 63,030* new cases will be diagnosed in 2017. *oral cavity, pharynx and larynx VIEW INFOGRAPHIC WORLDWIDE ... Head and neck cancer is the seventh most common cancer worldwide with an estimated, 686,000 new cases diagnosed worldwide each year. AREAS OF THE HEAD AND NECK WHERE CANCERS BEGIN: Paranasal sinuses & nasal cavity Oral cavity Salivary glands Larynx Pharynx THERE ARE TWO FACTORS THAT GREATLY INCREASE THE RISK OF HEAD AND NECK CANCER: Tobacco Use & Frequent and Heavy Consumption of Alcohol 85 % In fact, 85 percent of head and neck cancer cases are linked to tobacco use. WHILE TOBACCO USE IS THE NUMBER ONE RISK FACTOR FOR HEAD AND NECK CANCER, OTHER RISK FACTORS INCLUDE: Prolonged sun exposure Infection with cancer-causing types of human papillomavirus (HPV) Epstein-Barr virus Gender Age Race Poor oral/dental hygiene Environmental/occupational Inhalants Poor nutrition Gastroesophageal and laryngopharyngeal reflux diseases Weakened immune system ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Head and Neck Cancer Alliance Oral Cancer Foundation Support for People with Oral and Head and Neck Cancer [SPOHNC] ACS American Head and Neck Society CDC Originally published July, 2016; updated in April, 2017 Copyright. © 2009-2017 Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc. All rights reserved. Forward-Looking Statement Privacy Terms of Use Site Map