Trends in the survival of patients diagnosed with cancers of the lip, oral cavity, and pharynx in the Nordic countries 1964–2003 followed up to the end of 2006

Abstract Background. This is the first comprehensive population-based study on relative survival of lip, oral cavity and pharyngeal cancer in the Nordic countries. Material and methods. Relative survival of patients with cancers of the lip, oral cavity, and pharynx diagnosed in the Nordic countries in 1964–2003 and followed up to the end of 2006 was studied and contrasted with trends in incidence and mortality. Results. There are marked differences in incidence between countries and over time. The stability of the relative survival ratios gives support to the hypothesis that the incidence differences are more likely to be real and not materially affected by differences in definitions and coding. Of particular note are the steep rises in pharyngeal cancer incidence in Denmark in both sexes. Survival has only moderately improved over time and has tended to be slightly higher in females than males. Conclusions. Co-morbidity caused by smoking and high alcohol consumption are likely to be partially responsible for differences between countries. Advances in therapy and standards of care are also likely to have played a role in the increasing survival trends.