Definition

Deaths with malignant neoplasm (cancer) of the lip, oral cavity and pharynx as the underlying cause of death ICD-10 codes: C00-C14

Numerator

Number of deaths due to cancer of the lip, oral cavity and pharynx

Denominator

Total number of persons in the population

Why Is This Important?

About 70% of cancers in the oropharynx are linked to human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted virus. [https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/headneck/ ^1^] In recent years the incidence of oropharyngeal cancer has been slowly increasing among men due to its association with HPV infections, even though a vaccine to prevent HPV is available. Oropharyngeal cancer is more than twice as common among men as it is among women.

Healthy People Objective: Reduce the oropharyngeal cancer death rate

U.S. Target: 2.3 deaths per 100,000 population (age-adjusted)
State Target: 1.8 deaths per 100,000 population (age-adjusted)

Other Objectives

'''Revised Healthy New Jersey 2020 Objective CA-6''': Reduce the age-adjusted mortality rate due to oropharyngeal cancer per 100,000 standard population to 1.8 for the total population, 1.8 among Whites, 2.1 among Blacks, 1.0 among Hispanics, and 1.5 among Asians. '''Original Healthy New Jersey 2020 Objective CA-6''': Reduce the age-adjusted mortality rate due to oropharyngeal cancer per 100,000 standard population to 2.0 for the total population, 1.8 among Whites, 3.6 among Blacks, 1.0 among Hispanics, and 1.5 among Asians.

How Are We Doing?

Although the age-adjusted death rate for this cancer has been holding relatively steady around 2.0 for the overall population, the death rate among Blacks declined 55% between 2005-2007 and 2018-2020. The Healthy New Jersey 2020 target was achieved for the overall population, Blacks, and Asians. Age-adjusted death rates among males are nearly triple that of females.

How Do We Compare With the U.S.?

The age-adjusted death rate due to oropharyngeal cancer is statistically significantly lower among New Jersey residents than among the nation as a whole.

Evidence-based Practices

To lower your risk for head and neck cancers, don't use tobacco products, limit the amount of alcohol you drink, talk to your doctor about HPV vaccination, use condoms and dental dams, avoid sun exposure and indoor tanning, and visit the dentist regularly. [https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/headneck/ ^1^]

Health Program Information

Human Papillomavirus (HPV): [https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/hpv.shtml]