Definition
Incidence rate of invasive oral cavity and pharynx cancer for a defined population in a specified time interval. Rates are age-adjusted to the 2000 U.S. Standard Population. Rates are per 100,000 population.Numerator
Number of new cases of oral cavity and pharynx cancer among a defined population in a specified time interval.Denominator
Defined population in a specified time interval.Why Is This Important?
During 2018, 898 male and 405 female New Jersey residents were diagnosed with cancer of the oral cavity and pharynx. The most common sites for oral cavity and pharynx cancers are the tongue, floor of the mouth, gums, lip, tonsil, or lower pharynx. The most common risk factors for getting cancer of the oral cavity are tobacco use (both cigarette smoking and smokeless/chewing tobacco) and drinking alcoholic beverages in excess.How Are We Doing?
Between 1990 and 2018, the age-adjusted oral cavity and pharynx cancer rate in males averaged 15.9 cases per 100,000 population. In females, the age-adjusted oral cavity and pharynx cancer rate averaged 6.3 cases per 100,000 population. The lifetime risk of developing oral cavity and pharynx cancer is 1 in 60 for men and 1 in 141 for women.What Is Being Done?
A Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan was developed by the Task Force on Cancer Prevention, Early Detection and Treatment in New Jersey which aims to reduce the incidence, illness and death due to cancer among New Jersey residents. [https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/ncccp/ccc_plans.htm]