Head and neck cancers survival statistics

Survival

Survive head and neck cancers for 10 or more years, 2009-13, England

Age

Age that head and neck cancers survival is highest, 2009-2013, England

 

One-year net survival among head and neck cancer subtypes is highest in salivary glands cancer and lowest in hypopharyngeal cancer. For all head and neck cancer subtypes, one-year survival falls between 1 and 5 years after diagnosis, though the gradient of the fall varies between subtypes.  For most head and neck cancer subtypes, one-year survival falls between 5 and 10 years after diagnosis.

Hypopharyngeal Cancer

60% of men survive hypopharyngeal cancer for at least one year, and this is predicted to fall to 27% surviving for five years or more, as shown by age-standardised Open a glossary item net survival for patients diagnosed with hypopharyngeal cancer during 2009-2013 in England.[1] Survival for women is similar with 61% surviving for one year or more, and 30% predicted to survive for at least five years.

Hypopharyngeal Cancer (C12, C13) Age-Standardised One-, Five- and Ten-Year Net Survival, Adults (Aged 15-90), England, 2009-2013

Ad Hoc Sex 1-Year Survival (%) 5-Year Survival (%) 10-Year Survival (%)
Men Net Survival 60.4 27.2 17.9
95% LCL 57.9 24.7 15.3
95% UCL 62.8 29.7 20.8
Women Net Survival 60.7 30.2 23.3
95% LCL 56.3 25.7 18.5
95% UCL 64.8 34.8 28.5
Adults Net Survival 60.5 27.8 19.1
95% LCL 58.3 25.7 16.7
95% UCL 62.6 30.1 21.6

95% LCL and 95% UCL are the 95% lower and upper confidence limits Open a glossary item
 
Five- and ten-year survival is predicted using an excess hazard statistical model
 

In men, hypopharyngeal cancer survival continues to fall beyond five years after diagnosis. In women, hypopharyngeal cancer survival is similar at five and ten years after diagnosis. 18% of men and 23% of women are predicted to survive their disease for ten years or more, as shown by age-standardised net survival for patients diagnosed with hypopharyngeal cancer during 2009-2013 in England.[1]

Laryngeal Cancer

85% of men survive laryngeal cancer for at least one year, and this is predicted to fall to 65% surviving for five years or more, as shown by age-standardised net survival for patients diagnosed with laryngeal cancer during 2009-2013 in England.[1] Survival for women is not available due to the low number of cases.

Laryngeal Cancer (C32) Age-Standardised One-, Five- and Ten-Year Net Survival, Men (Aged 15-90), England, 2009-2013

Ad Hoc Sex 1-Year Survival (%) 5-Year Survival (%) 10-Year Survival (%)
Men Net Survival 85.3 65.4 54.7
95% LCL 84.3 64.0 52.7
95% UCL 86.1 66.8 56.7

95% LCL and 95% UCL are the 95% lower and upper confidence limits
 
Five- and ten-year survival is predicted using an excess hazard statistical model
 

Laryngeal cancer survival continues to fall beyond five years after diagnosis. 55% of men are predicted to survive their disease for ten years or more, as shown by age-standardised net survival for men diagnosed with laryngeal cancer during 2009-2013 in England.[1]

Survival for laryngeal cancer is reported in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales[2,3,4] though it is difficult to make survival comparisons between countries due to different methodologies and criteria for including patients in analyses.

Oral Cavity Cancer

78% of men survive oral cavity cancer for at least one year, and this is predicted to fall to 54% surviving for five years or more, as shown by age-standardised net survival for patients diagnosed with oral cavity cancer during 2009-2013 in England.[1] Survival for women is similar to men one year after diagnosis with 79% surviving for one year or more and higher than men at five years after diagnosis with 60% predicted to survive for at least five years.

Oral Cavity Cancer (C03, C04, C05, C06) Age-Standardised One-, Five- and Ten-Year Net Survival, Adults (Aged 15-90), England, 2009-2013

Ad Hoc Sex 1-Year Survival (%) 5-Year Survival (%) 10-Year Survival (%)
Men Net Survival 77.8 53.5 42.2
95% LCL 76.5 51.7 39.8
95% UCL 79.0 55.2 44.6
Women Net Survival 79.2 59.8 49.6
95% LCL 77.6 57.7 46.6
95% UCL 80.7 61.9 52.5
Adults Net Survival 78.4 56.1 45.2
95% LCL 77.4 54.7 43.4
95% UCL 79.3 57.4 47.1

95% LCL and 95% UCL are the 95% lower and upper confidence limits
 
Five- and ten-year survival is predicted using an excess hazard statistical model
 

Oral cavity cancer survival continues to fall beyond five years after diagnosis. 42% of men and 50% of women are predicted to survive their disease for ten years or more, as shown by age-standardised net survival for patients diagnosed with oral cavity cancer during 2009-2013 in England.[1]

Survival for oral cavity cancer is reported in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales[2,3,4] though it is difficult to make survival comparisons between countries due to different methodologies and criteria for including patients in analyses.

Oropharyngeal Cancer

84% of men survive oropharyngeal cancer for at least one year, and this is predicted to fall to 66% surviving for five years or more, as shown by age-standardised net survival for patients diagnosed with oropharyngeal cancer during 2009-2013 in England.[1] Survival for women is similar with 84% surviving for one year or more, and 66% predicted to survive for at least five years.

Oropharyngeal Cancer (C09, C10, C02.4) Age-Standardised One-, Five- and Ten-Year Net Survival, Adults (Aged 15-90), England, 2009-2013

Ad Hoc Sex 1-Year Survival (%) 5-Year Survival (%) 10-Year Survival (%)
Men Net Survival 83.8 65.5 57.0
95% LCL 82.6 63.8 54.7
95% UCL 84.8 67.1 59.3
Women Net Survival 83.6 66.0 59.4
95% LCL 81.6 63.1 55.6
95% UCL 85.3 68.7 63.0
Adults Net Survival 83.7 65.6 57.7
95% LCL 82.7 64.2 55.7
95% UCL 84.6 67.0 59.6

95% LCL and 95% UCL are the 95% lower and upper confidence limits
 
Five- and ten-year survival is predicted using an excess hazard statistical model
 

Oropharyngeal cancer survival continues to fall beyond five years after diagnosis. 57% of men and 59% of women are predicted to survive their disease for ten years or more, as shown by age-standardised net survival for patients diagnosed with oropharyngeal cancer during 2009-2013 in England.[1]

Survival for oropharyngeal cancer is reported in Wales[4] though it is difficult to make survival comparisons between countries due to different methodologies and criteria for including patients in analyses.

Salivary Glands Cancer

83% of men survive salivary glands cancer for at least one year, and this is predicted to fall to 58% surviving for five years or more, as shown by age-standardised net survival for patients diagnosed with salivary glands cancer during 2009-2013 in England.[1] Survival for women is higher with 90% surviving for one year or more, and 78% predicted to survive for at least five years.

Salivary Glands Cancer (C07, C08) Age-Standardised One-, Five- and Ten-Year Net Survival, Adults (Aged 15-90), England, 2009-2013

Ad Hoc Sex 1-Year Survival (%) 5-Year Survival (%) 10-Year Survival (%)
Men Net Survival 82.5 58.3 50.7
95% LCL 80.2 55.1 45.8
95% UCL 84.5 61.4 55.5
Women Net Survival 89.8 77.8 70.3
95% LCL 87.8 74.6 64.9
95% UCL 91.5 80.6 75.2
Adults Net Survival 85.8 67.0 59.3
95% LCL 84.3 64.6 55.6
95% UCL 87.2 69.2 62.8

95% LCL and 95% UCL are the 95% lower and upper confidence limits
 
Five- and ten-year survival is predicted using an excess hazard statistical model
 

Salivary glands cancer survival is similar at five and ten years after diagnosis. 51% of men and 70% of women are predicted to survive their disease for ten years or more, as shown by age-standardised net survival for patients diagnosed with salivary glands cancer during 2009-2013 in England.[1]

Sinus Cancer

73% of men survive sinus cancer for at least one year, and this is predicted to fall to 50% surviving for five years or more, as shown by age-standardised net survival for patients diagnosed with sinus cancer during 2009-2013 in England.[1] Survival for women is similar with 78% surviving for one year or more, and 53% predicted to survive for at least five years.

Sinus Cancer (C30, C31) Age-Standardised One-, Five- and Ten-Year Net Survival, Adults (Aged 15-90), England, 2009-2013

Ad Hoc Sex 1-Year Survival (%) 5-Year Survival (%) 10-Year Survival (%)
Men Net Survival 73.0 50.3 42.5
95% LCL 70.2 46.7 37.7
95% UCL 75.6 53.7 47.3
Women Net Survival 77.5 53.2 42.5
95% LCL 74.2 48.9 37.3
95% UCL 80.4 57.2 47.5
Adults Net Survival 74.8 51.4 42.6
95% LCL 72.7 48.7 39.1
95% UCL 76.8 54.1 46.1

95% LCL and 95% UCL are the 95% lower and upper confidence limits
 
Five- and ten-year survival is predicted using an excess hazard statistical model
 

In men, sinus cancer survival is similar at five and ten years after diagnosis. In women, sinus cancer continues to fall beyond 5 years. 43% of men and 43% of women are predicted to survive their disease for ten years or more, as shown by age-standardised net survival for patients diagnosed with sinus cancer during 2009-2013 in England.[1]

Tongue Cancer

80% of men survive tongue cancer for at least one year, and this is predicted to fall to 60% surviving for five years or more, as shown by age-standardised net survival for patients diagnosed with tongue cancer during 2009-2013 in England.[1] Survival for women is similar with 81% surviving for one year or more, and 62% predicted to survive for at least five years.

Tongue Cancer (C01, C02 excluding C02.4) Age-Standardised One-, Five- and Ten-Year Net Survival, Adults (Aged 15-90), England, 2009-2013

Ad Hoc Sex 1-Year Survival (%) 5-Year Survival (%) 10-Year Survival (%)
Men Net Survival 80.2 59.6 49.8
95% LCL 79.0 58.0 47.5
95% UCL 81.3 61.2 52.1
Women Net Survival 81.3 61.8 53.6
95% LCL 79.7 59.6 50.4
95% UCL 82.8 63.9 56.6
Adults Net Survival 80.6 60.3 51.2
95% LCL 79.7 59.0 49.3
95% UCL 81.4 61.6 53.0

95% LCL and 95% UCL are the 95% lower and upper confidence limits
 
Five- and ten-year survival is predicted using an excess hazard statistical model
 

Tongue cancer survival continues to fall beyond five years after diagnosis. 50% of men and 54% of women are predicted to survive their disease for ten years or more, as shown by age-standardised net survival for patients diagnosed with tongue cancer during 2009-2013 in England.[1]

See also

Cancer survival statistics for common cancers UK

References

  1. Muller P, Belot A, Morris M, Rachet B, Cancer Research UK Cancer Survival Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Net survival and the probability of cancer death from rare cancers. Available from http://csg.lshtm.ac.uk/rare-cancers/. Accessed July 2016.
  2. ISD Scotland. Trends in Cancer Survival 1983-2007.
  3. Northern Ireland Cancer Registry. Incidence & Survival 1993-2012.
  4. Welsh Cancer Intelligence and Surveillance Unit. Cancer in Wales: 2001-2004.

About this data

Data is for England, 2009-2013, ICD-O-3 C12, C13 (Hypopharyngeal Cancer), C32 (Laryngeal Cancer), C03, C04, C05, C06 (Oral Cavity Cancer), C09, C10, C02.4 (Oropharyngeal Cancer), C07, C08 (Salivary Glands Cancer), C30, C31 (Sinus Cancer), C01, C02 excluding C02.4 (Tongue Cancer)

Last reviewed:

For most head and neck cancer subtypes survival is higher in younger people and falls with increasing age, though the gradient of the fall varies.

Hypopharyngeal Cancer

Five-year survival for hypopharyngeal cancer is highest in the youngest men and women and decreases with increasing age. Five-year net survival in men ranges from 34% in 15-49 year-olds to 20% in 70-89 year-olds for patients diagnosed with hypopharyngeal cancer in England during 2009-2013.[1] In women, five-year survival ranges from 40% in 60-69 year olds to 21% in 70-89 year olds.

Hypopharyngeal Cancer (C12, C13), Five-Year Net Survival by Age, England, 2009-2013

Laryngeal Cancer

Five-year survival for laryngeal cancer is highest in the youngest men and decreases with increasing age. Five-year net survival in men ranges from 74% in 15-49 year-olds to 58% in 80-99 year-olds for patients diagnosed with laryngeal cancer in England during 2009-2013.[1] For women no laryngeal cancer survival data are available, due to the low number of cases.

Laryngeal Cancer (C32), Five-Year Net Survival by Age, Men, England, 2009-2013

Oral Cavity Cancer

Five-year survival for oral cavity cancer is highest in the youngest men and women and decreases with increasing age. Five-year net survival in men ranges from 68% in 15-49 year-olds to 46% in 70-89 year-olds for patients diagnosed with oral cavity cancer in England during 2009-2013.[1] In women, five-year survival ranges from 70% in 15-49 year olds to 51% in 70-89 year olds.

Oral Cavity Cancer (C03, C04, C05, C06), Five-Year Net Survival by Age, England, 2009-2013

Oropharyngeal Cancer

Five-year survival for oropharyngeal cancer is highest in the youngest men and women and decreases with increasing age. Five-year net survival in men ranges from 82% in 15-49 year-olds to 43% in 70-89 year-olds for patients diagnosed with oropharyngeal cancer in England during 2009-2013.[1] In women, five-year survival ranges from 83% in 15-49 year olds to 49% in 70-89 year olds.

Oropharyngeal Cancer (C09, C10, C02.4), Five-Year Net Survival by Age, England, 2009-2013

Salivary Glands Cancer

Five-year survival for salivary glands cancer is highest in the youngest men and women and decreases with increasing age. Five-year net survival in men ranges from 85% in 15-49 year-olds to 45% in 70-89 year-olds for patients diagnosed with salivary glands cancer in England during 2009-2013.[1] In women, five-year survival ranges from 93% in 15-49 year olds to 61% in 70-89 year olds.

Salivary Glands Cancer (C07, C08), Five-Year Net Survival by Age, England, 2009-2013

Sinus Cancer

Five-year survival for sinus cancer is highest in the youngest men and women and decreases with increasing age. Five-year net survival in men ranges from 60% in 15-49 year-olds to 44% in 70-89 year-olds for patients diagnosed with sinus cancer in England during 2009-2013.[1] In women, five-year survival ranges from 65% in 15-49 year olds to 45% in 70-89 year olds.

Sinus Cancer (C30, C31), Five-Year Net Survival by Age, England, 2009-2013

Tongue Cancer

Five-year survival for tongue cancer is highest in the youngest men and women and decreases with increasing age. Five-year net survival in men ranges from 74% in 15-49 year-olds to 47% in 70-89 year-olds for patients diagnosed with tongue cancer in England during 2009-2013.[1] In women, five-year survival ranges from 77% in 15-49 year olds to 52% in 70-89 year olds.

Tongue Cancer (C01, C02 excluding C02.4), Five-Year Net Survival by Age, England, 2009-2013

See also

Cancer survival statistics for common cancers UK

References

  1. Muller P, Belot A, Morris M, Rachet B, Cancer Research UK Cancer Survival Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Net survival and the probability of cancer death from rare cancers. Available from http://csg.lshtm.ac.uk/rare-cancers/. Accessed July 2016.

About this data

Data is for England, 2009-2013, ICD-O-3 C12, C13 (Hypopharyngeal Cancer), C32 (Laryngeal Cancer), C03, C04, C05, C06 (Oral Cavity Cancer), C09, C10, C02.4 (Oropharyngeal Cancer), C07, C08 (Salivary Glands Cancer), C30, C31 (Sinus Cancer), C01, C02 excluding C02.4 (Tongue Cancer)

Last reviewed:

Hypopharyngeal cancer survival in the UK compared to Europe

Five-year relative survival for hypopharyngeal cancer in men in England (25%) is similar to the average for Europe (24%). Wales (25%), Scotland (25%) and Northern Ireland (35%) are also similar to the European average.[1] Across the European countries for which data is available, five-year relative survival in men ranges from 7% (Estonia) to 35% (Ireland).[1] 

Five-year relative survival for hypopharyngeal cancer in women in England (26%) is similar to the average for Europe (29%). Scotland (28%) is also similar to the European average.[1] No five-year survival data is available for Wales and Northern Ireland. Across the European countries for which data is available, five-year relative survival in women ranges from 19% (Czech Republic) to 52% (Switzerland).[1] 

Hypopharyngeal Cancer (C12.9, C13), Age-Standardised Five-Year Relative Survival, Adults (Aged 15+), European Countries, 2000-2007

Data consists of both observed and predicted 5-year relative survival. Where sufficient follow-up was not available for recently diagnosed patients the period approach was used to predict 5-year cohort survival.

Possible explanations for persistent international differences in survival include differences in cancer biology, use of diagnostic tests and screening, stage at diagnosis, access to high-quality care, and data collection practices.[1]

Laryngeal cancer survival in the UK compared to Europe

Five-year relative survival for laryngeal cancer in men in England (63%) is above the average for Europe (59%). Northern Ireland (75%) is also above the European average but Wales (59%) and Scotland (62%)  are similar to the European average.[1] Across the European countries for which data is available, five-year relative survival in men ranges from 40% (Latvia) to 82% (Iceland).[1] 

Five-year relative survival for laryngeal cancer in women in England (56%) is similar to the average for Europe (60%). Wales (59%) and Scotland (54%) are also similar to the European average.[1] No five-year survival data is available for Northern Ireland. Across the European countries for which data is available, five-year relative survival in women ranges from 49% (Poland) to 69% (Spain).[1] 

Laryngeal Cancer (C32), Age-Standardised Five-Year Relative Survival, Adults (Aged 15+), European Countries, 2000-2007

Data consists of both observed and predicted 5-year relative survival. Where sufficient follow-up was not available for recently diagnosed patients the period approach was used to predict 5-year cohort survival.

Possible explanations for persistent international differences in survival include differences in cancer biology, use of diagnostic tests and screening, stage at diagnosis, access to high-quality care, and data collection practices.[1]

Lip cancer survival in the UK compared to Europe

Five-year relative survival for lip cancer in men in England (88%) is similar to the average for Europe (88%). Wales (95%), Scotland (95%) and Northern Ireland (95%) are also similar to the European average.[1] Across the European countries for which data is available, five-year relative survival in men ranges from 74% (Switzerland) to 95% (Scotland).[1] 

Five-year relative survival for lip cancer in women in England (91%) is similar to the average for Europe (89%). Wales (89%) and Scotland (95%) are also similar to the European average.[1] No five-year survival data is available for Northern Ireland. Across the European countries for which data is available, five-year relative survival in women ranges from 79% (Poland) to 103% (Slovakia).[1] 

Lip Cancer (C00), Age-Standardised Five-Year Relative Survival, Adults (Aged 15+), European Countries, 2000-2007

Data consists of both observed and predicted 5-year relative survival. Where sufficient follow-up was not available for recently diagnosed patients the period approach was used to predict 5-year cohort survival.

Possible explanations for persistent international differences in survival include differences in cancer biology, use of diagnostic tests and screening, stage at diagnosis, access to high-quality care, and data collection practices.[1]

Nasopharyngeal cancer survival in the UK compared to Europe

Five-year relative survival for nasopharyngeal cancer in men in England (47%) is similar to the average for Europe (47%). Scotland (40%) and Northern Ireland (61%) are also similar to the European average.[1] No five-year survival data is available for Wales. Across the European countries for which data is available, five-year relative survival in men ranges from 27% (Bulgaria) to 75% (Switzerland).[1]

Five-year relative survival for nasopharyngeal cancer in women in England (50%) is similar to the average for Europe (55%). Scotland (71%) is above the European average.[1] No five-year survival data is available for Wales and Northern Ireland. Across the European countries for which data is available, five-year relative survival in women ranges from 34% (Latvia) to 71% (Scotland).[1] 

Nasopharyngeal Cancer (C11), Age-Standardised Five-Year Relative Survival, Adults (Aged 15+), European Countries, 2000-2007

Data consists of both observed and predicted 5-year relative survival. Where sufficient follow-up was not available for recently diagnosed patients the period approach was used to predict 5-year cohort survival.

Possible explanations for persistent international differences in survival include differences in cancer biology, use of diagnostic tests and screening, stage at diagnosis, access to high-quality care, and data collection practices.[1]

Oropharyngeal cancer survival in the UK compared to Europe

Five-year relative survival for oropharyngeal cancer in men in England (44%) is above the average for Europe (36%). Wales (46%) is also above the European average but Scotland (44%) is similar to the European average.[1] No five-year survival data is available for Northern Ireland. Across the European countries for which data is available, five-year relative survival in men ranges from 14% (Estonia) to 50% (Sweden).[1] 

Five-year relative survival for oropharyngeal cancer in women in England (50%) is similar to the average for Europe (49%). Wales (50%) and Scotland (44%) are also similar to the European average.[1] No five-year survival data is available for Northern Ireland. Across the European countries for which data is available, five-year relative survival in women ranges from 33% (Slovenia) to 59% (Czech Republic).[1] 

Oropharyngeal Cancer (C09-C10), Age-Standardised Five-Year Relative Survival, Adults (Aged 15+), European Countries, 2000-2007

Data consists of both observed and predicted 5-year relative survival. Where sufficient follow-up was not available for recently diagnosed patients the period approach was used to predict 5-year cohort survival.

Possible explanations for persistent international differences in survival include differences in cancer biology, use of diagnostic tests and screening, stage at diagnosis, access to high-quality care, and data collection practices.[1]

Tongue cancer survival in the UK compared to Europe

Five-year relative survival for tongue cancer in men in England (47%) is above the average for Europe (39%). Northern Ireland (51%) is also above the European average but Wales (47%) and Scotland (40%) are similar to the European average.[1] Across the European countries for which data is available, five-year relative survival in men ranges from 15% (Lithuania) to 53% (Finland).[1] 

Five-year relative survival for tongue cancer in women in England (58%) is above the average for Europe (52%). Wales (42%), Scotland (56%) and Northern Ireland (54%) are similar to the European average.[1] Across the European countries for which data is available, five-year relative survival in women ranges from 27% (Estonia) to 70% (Finland).[1]

Tongue Cancer (C01.9-C02.9), Age-Standardised Five-Year Relative Survival, Adults (Aged 15+), European Countries, 2000-2007

Data consists of both observed and predicted 5-year relative survival. Where sufficient follow-up was not available for recently diagnosed patients the period approach was used to predict 5-year cohort survival.

Possible explanations for persistent international differences in survival include differences in cancer biology, use of diagnostic tests and screening, stage at diagnosis, access to high-quality care, and data collection practices.[1]

See also

Cancer diagnosis and treatment

Head and neck cancer incidence

References

  1. De Angelis R, Sant M, Coleman MP, et al. Cancer survival in Europe 1999-2007 by country and age: results of EUROCARE-5 - a population-based study. Lancet Oncol 2014;15:23-34

About this data

Data is for: 29 European countries, patients diagnosed in 2000-2007 and followed up to 2008, hypopharyngeal cancer (International Classification of Diseases for Oncology [ICD-O-3] C12.9, C13), laryngeal cancer (ICD-O-3 C32), lip cancer (ICD-O-3 C00), nasopharyngeal cancer (ICD-O-3 C11), oropharyngeal cancer (ICD-O-3 C09-C10), tongue cancer (ICD-O-3 C01.9-C02.9).

Last reviewed:

Cancer stats explained

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Cancer stats explained

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We are grateful to the many organisations across the UK which collect, analyse, and share the data which we use, and to the patients and public who consent for their data to be used. Find out more about the sources which are essential for our statistics.