Crisis Facts
Head and neck cancer has become a pressing health concern in the UK, yet it remains largely unknown. We have a critical window of opportunity to change its trajectory, but we need your support.
The Alarming Statistics
There are around 13,800 new head and neck cancer cases in the UK every year (excluding thyroid cancers), diagnosed in the UK each year, and the numbers of cases are projected to reach around 16,300 a year in the UK by 2038–2040.
- Every day 38 people are diagnosed with head and neck cancers in the UK.
- Head and neck cancer is the 5th most common cancer in men and 7th most common cancer overall.
- More than half of head and neck cancers in the UK are diagnosed late.
- Less than 3% of Cancer Research UK funding last year was spent on head and neck cancer research.
- In England, head and neck cancer is significantly more common in deprived areas - 64% more common in women and 101% more common in men, compared with the least deprived areas.
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a major cause of oropharyngeal cancer - cancer that starts in the tonsils, back of the tongue or middle part of the throat.
Sources:
https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/mouth-cancer/about
Oracle Head & Neck Cancer UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1142037), and in Scotland (SC052790).
Registered as a company limited by guarantee in England and Wales (7125497). Registered address: 167-169, Great Portland Street, 5th Floor, London W1W 5PF.