Note: The information on cancer types on the ACRF website is not designed to provide medical or professional advice and is for information only. If you have any health problems or questions please consult your doctor.
Head and Neck Cancer refers to a group of cancers that are biologically similar – starting in the lip, mouth, nasal cavity, sinuses, pharynx and larynx.
In 90% of cases, these cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, originating from the epithelial tissues which line the cavities and surfaces of these organs and structures.
Head and neck cancers tend to be aggressive or fast-growing, however, they can be cured if detected early, usually through surgery and/or radiotherapy.
Cancers of the oesophagus, the brain, eye, scalp, skin and muscles of the head and neck are not considered ‘head and neck cancers’.
Please click links below to find more information about the most common types of head and neck cancer.
The onset of head and neck cancers is strongly associated with environmental and behavioural factors, including:
4,955
new cases are estimated to be diagnosed in 2017
68.4%
is the estimated 5-year survival rate for men
5th
most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in Australia
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REFERENCES
Cancer in Australia 2017, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
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