Head and neck cancer

Where does head and neck cancer occur?^2,3

Prevalence of head and neck cancer

Head and neck cancer is the 7^th most common cancer in the UK with around 13,800 new cases diagnosed each year.⁴ There are around 4,900 head and neck cancer deaths in the UK every year and, over the last decade, the mortality rates of head and neck cancer have increased by around a sixth (18%) in the UK.⁴

Signs and symptoms of head and neck cancer

The table below includes some common symptoms for the different types of head and neck cancer, which vary depending on where the cancer is located and whether it has spread to nearby tissues.¹ It is important to remember that someone may not necessarily have head and neck cancer if they are experiencing some of these symptoms, but it is advised to monitor them and speak to a healthcare professional if they do not improve.

Head and neck cancer symptoms^5-9

The unmet needs of head and neck cancer patients
 

The quality of life of head and neck cancer patients and their treatment outcomes are affected by various factors, from the disease itself, to the treatment side effects, to the wide range of mental health issues associated with the diagnosis. Head and neck cancer treatment often have profound impacts on the  patients' professional lives. Many patients have to reduce their working hours or take temporary leave, sometimes indefinitely. Even when willing and able to return to work, they may face workplace discrimination due to their diagnosis. The resulting economic and psychological pressure negatively affect the patients' mental health, heighten symptom severity perception and hinder access to rehabilitation treatments, impacting recovery and quality of life.¹¹

References

¹ Heroiu Cataloiu AD, et al. Multiple cancers of the head and neck. Maedica (Bucur). 2013 Mar;8(1):80-5.

² World Cancer Research Fund. Head and Neck Cancers. Available at: https://www.wcrf.org/preventing-cancer/cancer-types/head-and-neck-cancer/
Last accessed: August 2026

³ Cancer Research UK. Head and neck cancer. Available at: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/head-neck-cancer
Last accessed: August 2026

⁴ Cancer Research UK. Head and neck cancers statistics. Available at: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/statistics-by-cancer-type/head-and-neck-cancers#heading-Zero
Last accessed: August 2026

⁵American Cancer Society. Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal Cancer. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/oral-cavity-and-oropharyngeal-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/signs-symptoms.html.
Last accessed: August 2026

⁶ Macmillan Cancer Support. Signs and symptoms of laryngeal (larynx) cancer. Available at: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/laryngeal-larynx-cancer/signs-and-symptoms.
Last Accessed: August 2026

⁷ Mayo Clinic. Salivary gland tumors. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/salivary-gland-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20354151.
Last accessed: August 2026

⁸ NHS Inform. Nasal and sinus cancer. Available at: https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/cancer/cancer-types-in-adults/nasal-and-sinus-cancer/.
Last accessed: August 2026

⁹ Mayo Clinic. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nasopharyngeal-carcinoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20375529.
Last accessed: August 2026

¹⁰ The Royal Marsden. Common misconceptions of head and neck cancers. Available at: https://www.royalmarsden.nhs.uk/private-care/news-and-blogs/common-misconceptions-head-and-neck-cancers.
Last accessed: August 2026

¹¹ Lin L, et al. Surviving and thriving: Assessing quality of life and psychosocial interventions in mental health of head and neck cancer patients. Asian Journal of Surgery. 2024 Nov 28; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asjsur.2024.11.048
Last accessed: August 2026

August 2026 | ONC-GB-2600213