Rising rates of head and neck cancers in England
Oracle welcomes new report from UoS
Rising rates of head and neck cancers in England are highlighted in a new report from the University of Sheffield. Oracle HNCUK welcomes the insights from the report and the views and conclusions of the lead clinicians involved. The report was compiled in collaboration with the Department of Health and Social Care and analysed data from 2013 to 2020.
Oracle and other charities have consistently been raising awareness of the growing crisis in head and neck cancer care. The University of Sheffield article released on 22nd October 2024 comes a month after a BBC showed head and neck cancer was bottom of treatment wait times, hence risking lives.
47% rise in throat cancers
We are not surprised that the report is calling out “rising rates of head and neck cancer in England”, but the new report from UoS highlights throat cancer which saw a 47 per rise in diagnosis is new news. It also shows that people living in the poorest areas of England were almost twice as likely to have head and neck cancer compared to those in wealthier areas.
Professor Zoe Marshman, Professor of Dental Public Health at the University of Sheffield and lead author of the report, said: “This report shows head and neck cancer is on the increase with stark inequalities across the country and an apparent north/south divide.
“People living in deprived areas are much more likely to be diagnosed with oral, oropharyngeal and laryngeal cancers and to be diagnosed at a late stage which makes treatment more difficult and survival less likely.
“To address these will require national and local government, NHS organisations and charities to work together to reduce the risk factors for head and neck cancer (such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption and HPV vaccine uptake) which are all things that individuals can struggle to change without help.
“Improved access to health services including local NHS dentistry is one key way to support early detection.”
To view the full report please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/announcements/atlas-of-variation-in-head-and-neck-cancer-in-england
Crisis in head and neck cancer care
The alarming statistics for head and neck cancer cases in the UK:
- 30% annual increase expected by 2030
- Only 1/3 of cases are detected early
- Now among the top 5 cancers in men, top 10 overall
- 30% are caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV), preventable with vaccination
- Less than 60% uptake of HPV vaccine in young people, leaving millions unprotected
- Only 50% of patients start treatment within NHS target time; cancer at bottom of league table
- Only 1% of Cancer Research UK’s cancer-specific funding allocated to head and neck cancers last year
- Lack of access to dentists and GPs driving late-stage diagnosis
- Growing inequalities: 101% higher incidence in men from most deprived areas
Professor Ali Khurram, Professor and Honorary Consultant Pathologist, at the University of Sheffield said: “Head and neck cancer can have a devastating effect on the lives of people with the disease and their families. Although head and neck cancer is one of the most common cancers in England with a significantly worse survival compared to other cancers, its awareness among the public, health professionals and funding organisations is poor. This report, which is the first of its kind, provides the opportunity to galvanise action to reverse these worrying trends.”
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If you’re affected by head and neck cancer or worried about a symptom
Head and neck cancers often go unnoticed, largely because many people are unaware of the signs and symptoms. At Oracle, we urge everyone to take a moment to perform a simple self-check. It could save your life. Visit headneckcheck.com to learn how. If you notice anything unusual, don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare professional.
Additionally, HPV vaccination plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of certain types of head and neck cancers. By protecting yourself, you’re taking an essential step in reducing your risk.
See also patient stories to hear about other people diagnosed with Head and Neck Cancers.
Have you got a symptom, are you being diagnosed, going through treatment, or a friend/carer of someone who is?
Please join our private Facebook Group to get support and advice from fellow patients and carers.
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