Work

Head and Neck Cancer: Trends and Geographical Distribution of Head and Neck Cancer at a Tertiary Hospital in Northern Tanzania

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT Background Head and neck cancers (HNCs) are the 6th most common cancer diagnosis and mortality worldwide, with a case fatality rate of 51% per annum. In Tanzania, HNC incidence and mortality rates are 4% per annum, with a case fatality rate of 69% per annum. Despite a global rise in HNC cases, data on trends and geographical distribution in Tanzania remain limited. Methodology This was a hospital‐based cross‐sectional study that included all patients with histologically confirmed HNC at the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) cancer registry who received care from 2013 to 2023. Analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25. A simple linear regression model was used to analyze trends in terms of gender, age group, and cancer subtype age. Results The overall trend of HNCs increased over time (R2 = 0.847, p < 0.001). The increase was in both genders, males (R2 = 0.76, p < 0.001) and females (R2 = 0.87, p < 0.001), respectively, but is slightly higher in males as compared to females. The trend of HNC in the age group 45–59 years (R2 = 0.027, p = 0.035) was increasing over time, while remaining fairly constant in the age group below 44. All cancer subtypes, with the exception of laryngeal cancer, showed a significant positive trend: lip and oral cavity (R2 = 0.735, p = 0.001), nasal cavity and nasopharynx (R2 = 0.462, p = 0.021), oropharyngeal (R2 = 0.797, p < 0.001), hypopharyngeal (R2 = 0.497, p = 0.015), and saliva gland (R2 = 0.697, p = 0.001). Over half of HNC patients (52.1%) came from Kilimanjaro. Conclusion HNC cases are increasing, with notable variations by gender, age, and cancer subtype. Most patients were from Kilimanjaro, highlighting regional disparities and the need for targeted interventions. Level of Evidence IV.

Source: Laryngoscope Investigative Otolaryngology

DOI: 10.1002/lio2.70234