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Trends of human papillomavirus‐related head and neck cancers in Korea: National cancer registry data
Author(s) -
Shin Aesun,
Jung YuhS.,
Jung KyuWon,
Kim Kyeezu,
Ryu Junsun,
Won YoungJoo
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1002/lary.24243
Subject(s) - human papillomavirus , medicine , head and neck cancer , head and neck , cancer registry , oncology , cancer , surgery
Objectives/Hypothesis The incidence of human papillomavirus (HPV)‐positive head and neck cancers (HNCs) is increasing sharply worldwide, while their HPV‐negative counterparts are showing a decreased frequency. However, epidemiologic data related to these changes are sparse in Korea, which is rapidly adopting more westernized lifestyles. Study Design Data from the Korea Central Cancer Registry, a nationwide population‐based cancer registry, from 1999 to 2009 were retrieved. Methods Age‐standardized rates (ASRs), their annual percent changes (APC) and male‐to‐female incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were analyzed and compared between HPV‐related and HPV‐unrelated primary sites. Results HPV‐related sites (oropharynx) had increased significantly over the period 1999 to 2009 (APC = 2.35%, P = 0.017), particularly in young men (30–59 years, APC = 2.65%, P = 0.031), whereas HPV‐unrelated sites such as larynx and hypopharynx decreased markedly in both sexes. Interestingly, tongue cancer was found to have increased gradually (APC = 2.35%, P = 0.003) in both sexes. The male‐to‐female IRRs and the median age of occurrence remained stable. Conclusions Although the cultural and ethnic background differs from the United States, cancers of HPV‐related sites are increasing in Korea, whereas cancers of HPV‐unrelated sites are decreasing, which is similar to the trends observed in the United States. Greater public awareness in Korea of HPV‐related HNCs is therefore warranted. Level of Evidence 2b. Laryngoscope , 123:E30–E37, 2013