Head and Neck Cancer

Head and neck cancers account for about 3% to 5% of all cancers in the United States. This year, an estimated 53,640 people (39,300 men and 14,340 women) will develop head and neck cancers. It is estimated that 11,520 deaths (8,360 men and 3,160 women) will occur this year.

The overall five-year survival rate (percentage of people who survive at least five years after the cancer is detected, excluding those who die from other diseases) of people with head and neck cancers varies and depends on several factors; check the section for the specific type of head and neck cancer (see Overview) for more information. Cancer survival statistics should be interpreted with caution. Estimates are based on data from thousands of people with this type of cancer in the United States each year, but the actual risk for a particular individual may differ. It is not possible to tell a person how long he or she will live with head and neck cancer. Learn more about understanding statistics.

Statistics adapted from the American Cancer Society’s publication, Cancer Facts & Figures 2013.