Conclusion
Overall, this study demonstrates an increased proportion of older HNC
patients that is consistent with the aging population. Oral cavity is
the only cancer to demonstrate a true increase in the proportion of
young patients, likely from the increased incidence of young women
diagnosed with this cancer. Case reports citing more young patients
becoming diagnosed with other types of HNC are not currently supported
by the data.Lastly, the increased proportion of middle-age patients with
oropharyngeal cancer likely reflects the increase in HPV-related
cancers.
Keywords: head and neck cancer, proportional changes, age at
diagnosis, age distribution
Level of Evidence: 3 Retrospective Cohort Study