Crisis Facts

The Alarming Statistics

There are more than 12,500 new cases of head and neck cancer diagnosed in the UK each year (17,000 including thyroid cancer) and the numbers are expected to increase by 30% over the next 10 years. 30% annual increase expected by 2030 but a recent study by University of Sheffield suggest this could be an underestimate.

• Every day 34 people are diagnosed with head and neck cancers in the UK.
• 4th most common cancer in men, 8th most common cancer overall.
• Only 1/3 of cases are detected early
• Bottom of league table for treatment wait times: Only 50% of patients start treatment within NHS target time of 62 days*
• Only 1% of Cancer Research UK funding last year was spent on head and neck cancer research
• Cases are 101% higher in men from deprived areas
• 72% of middle throat cancer is caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
• 47%** increase in throat cancers
• Only 33% of Head and Neck cancers are diagnosed early, resulting in poor survival rates and outcomes.

*(Based on BBC and CRUK report – September 2024)

**(Based on Sheffield University report – October 2024)

The Hidden Crisis Unveiled

• Top 10 cancer with least awareness & funding
• Prevention gaps: Next generation at risk through low HPV vaccination take up rates (circa 55%). There are more head & neck cancers now than cervical cancers from HPV.
• Diagnosis crisis: Poor dental/GP access leads to late detection & worse outcomes.
• NHS delays critical: Longest waits for cancer treatment. Disease progresses as patients wait.
• Research underfunded: Lack of funds slows treatment progress & nationwide best practices.
• Health inequality: Large gaps in incidence and survival rates across social groups

Disparities in incidences and mortality rates across England**

Head and neck cancer incidence and mortality rates are increasing in England.

Prior to the pandemic, annual new cases in England had reached 10,735 in 2019. Data for 2021 suggests the trend has continued with over 11,000 new cases recorded.

This increase is largely driven by an increase in oropharyngeal cancer, with 3,834 new cases in 2019, a 47% increase since 2013.

The highest incidence rates were in people aged 70 years and over, with an incidence rate over three and half times higher than for those aged under 70 years.

Males have more than double the incidence rate of head and neck cancers than females.

People living in the most deprived areas have almost double the incidence rate of head and neck cancer compared to those living in the least deprived areas.

In England 53% of head and neck cancers were diagnosed at a late stage. Diagnosis at late stage is associated with greater treatment complexity and poorer outcomes. Across Integrated Care Board (ICB) areas the percentage of patients diagnosed at a late stage varied between 45.0% and 59.6%.

People living in the most deprived areas were more likely to be diagnosed with head and neck cancer at a late stage than those living in the least deprived areas. Reasons may include lower health literacy, poorer communication of healthcare needs and poorer access to dental services.

In 2020, 3,469 people died of head and neck cancers in England, an increase from 3,313 deaths in 2019. The mortality rate for head and neck cancer continued to increase in 2020 while for all cancers the mortality rate decreased. There was significant geographic variation in mortality rates across England. The ICB with the highest mortality rate was double the rate of the ICB with the lowest rate and people living in the most deprived areas have more than double the mortality rate of those living in the least deprived areas.