Poor oral health affects survival in head and neck cancer

Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC) contributes substantially to the global burden of cancer [1 –3]. It is the sixth most common cancer worldwide [4], and the fifth most common cancer in the United States, affecting approximately 40,000 new patients each year [1]. It encompasses cancers of the oral cavity, oropharynx, and larynx among others. While the mortality rate for HNSCC has improved r ecently, it still has poorer survival rates than some other common malignancies such as breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers [5,6].

Source: Oral Oncology - August 30, 2017 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Douglas R. Farquhar, Kimon Divaris, Angela L. Mazul, Mark C. Weissler, Jose P. Zevallos, Andrew F. Olshan Source Type: research