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/head-neck-cancer/about/index.html 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.

Definition

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

Data Sources

• Death Certificate Database, Office of Vital Statistics and Registry, New Jersey Department of Health
  (https://www.nj.gov/health/vital/)
• Population Estimates, State Data Center, New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development
  (https://www.nj.gov/labor/labormarketinformation/demographics/population-household-estimates/)
• Underlying Cause of Death, CDC WONDER On-line Database, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  (https://wonder.cdc.gov/Deaths-by-Underlying-Cause.html)

How the Measure is Calculated

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 42.5% between 2005-2007 and 2016-2018. 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/head-neck-cancer/about/index.html 1]^

Available Services

The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) has many programs and partnerships related to cancer resources, cancer information and cancer prevention. [http://nj.gov/health/ces/]

More Resources

HPV and Oropharyngeal Cancer: [https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/hpv/oropharyngeal-cancer.html] National Cancer Institute: [http://www.cancer.gov/ ] NJ Cancer Incidence Data: [http://www.nj.gov/health/ces/cancer-researchers/cancer-data/]

Health Program Information

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

Footnote References

1. CDC, [https://www.cdc.gov/head-neck-cancer/about/index.html Head and Neck Cancers Basics], 10/24/23