The impact of health insurance status on the survival of patients with head and neck cancer

Background: The impact of demographic change on the age at diagnosis in German head and neck cancer (HNC) patients is unclear. Here we present an evaluation of aging trends in HNC at a tertiary referral center. Methods: Retrospective cohort study on aging trends at the initial diagnosis of newly diagnosed patients with HNC between 2004 and 2018 at the head and neck cancer center Ulm in relation to demographic data of the catchment area. Results: The study population consisted of 2450 individuals diagnosed with HNC with a mean age of 62.84 (±11.67) years. We observed a significant increase in annual incidence rates and mean age over time. Mean age among HNC patients increased significantly more than among the population in the catchment area. Whereas the incidence rate of patients <50 years did not change, the incidence of HNC patients aged ≥70 years increased the most. The mean patient age in the main tumor sites increased significantly. Surprisingly, HPV-positive patients were not younger than HPV-negative patients, but showed a non-significant trend towards a higher mean age (63.0 vs. 60.7 years). Conclusions: Increasing incidence rates in older patients pose a challenge for health care systems. A nationwide study is needed to assess the dynamics and impact of aging on the incidence of HNC.

Download Full-text

PD-0051: The impact of neuroradiology collaboration in head and neck cancer radiotherapy peer review

Radiotherapy and Oncology ◽

10.1016/s0167-8140(21)00077-3 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 152 ◽

pp. S19

Author(s):

R. Jadon ◽

R. Benson ◽

T. Das ◽

G. Barnett

Keyword(s):

Head And Neck Cancer ◽

Head And Neck ◽

Peer Review ◽

Neck Cancer ◽

Cancer Radiotherapy ◽

The Impact

Download Full-text

Impacts of Environmental Factors on Head and Neck Cancer Pathogenesis and Progression

Cells ◽

10.3390/cells10020389 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (2) ◽

pp. 389

Author(s):

Marisol Miranda-Galvis ◽

Reid Loveless ◽

Luiz Paulo Kowalski ◽

Yong Teng

Keyword(s):

Head And Neck Cancer ◽

Environmental Factors ◽

Head And Neck ◽

Neck Cancer ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Metastatic Cancer ◽

Environmental Drivers ◽

Cancer Pathogenesis ◽

Gene Environment ◽

The Impact

Epidemiological and clinical studies over the past two decades have provided strong evidence that genetic elements interacting with environmental components can individually and collectively influence one’s susceptibility to cancer. In addition to tumorigenic properties, numerous environmental factors, such as nutrition, chemical carcinogens, and tobacco/alcohol consumption, possess pro-invasive and pro-metastatic cancer features. In contrast to traditional cancer treatment, modern therapeutics not only take into account an individual’s genetic makeup but also consider gene–environment interactions. The current review sharpens the focus by elaborating on the impact that environmental factors have on the pathogenesis and progression of head and neck cancer and the underlying molecular mechanisms involved. Recent advances, challenges, and future perspectives in this area of research are also discussed. Inhibiting key environmental drivers of tumor progression should yield survival benefits for patients at any stage of head and neck cancer.

Download Full-text