Population-based evaluation of incidence trends in oropharyngeal cancer focusing on socioeconomic status, sex, and race/ethnicity.

Abstract

The influences of socioeconomic status (SES) on the incidence rates of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) are unclear. Data from the California Cancer Registry and U.S. Census were used to compare incidence rates and trends of OPSCC and other human papillomavirus-related and -unrelated cancer sites by neighborhood SES, race/ethnicity, and sex. The incidence of OPSCC rose in both higher and lower SES neighborhoods. Absolute rates were greater in the latter. Only non-Hispanic white males with OPSCC demonstrated a significant increase in the incidence rate of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). The incidence rate for this group increased from 4.5/100,000 person-years between 1988 and 1992 to 7.1 between 2003 and 2009. Regression analysis demonstrated an annual percentage change of 1% from 1988 to 1997 and 4% thereafter. Increases in incidence rates are SES independent. Incidence rates are higher in lower-SES groups. The rise in OPSCC incidence is limited to non-Hispanic white males.