New Survey Reveals UK Lags Behind Europe In Awareness Of One Of The World's Most Common Cancers: Head And Neck Cancer

Main Category: Cancer / Oncology
Also Included In: Ear, Nose and Throat
Article Date: 03 Mar 2009 - 1:00 PDT

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Results from a European-wide survey1 investigating public awareness of head and neck cancer have been announced at the International Conference on Innovative Approaches in Head & Neck Oncology (ICHNO). The results revealed that despite there being more than 7,800 new cases each year2 and 2,496 deaths per year in the UK3 - resulting from two main forms of the disease - 89% of UK survey respondents were not aware of the term 'head and neck cancer'.1

The 'About Face' survey*, commissioned by Merck Serono and the European Head and Neck Cancer Society (EHNS), uncovered "worryingly low awareness of symptoms and risk factors" for head and neck cancer, according to UK patient groups, Mouth Cancer Foundation and Let's Face It: "The new survey reveals that more needs to be done if we are to treat this disease earlier and reduce morbidity. We have used the term 'mouth cancer' to refer to these cancers in our public awareness campaigns in the UK. So while only one in ten has heard of the term 'head and neck' cancer, only one in four has not heard of mouth cancer4. But more needs to be done to improve risk and symptom awareness," said Dr Vinod Joshi of Mouth Cancer Foundation.

These views were echoed by Christine Piff of Let's Face It, "These findings are concerning and highlight that much more needs to be done to educate the general public about head and neck cancer, to avoid delays in presentation, diagnosis and treatment."

Head and neck cancers include those affecting the mouth, tongue, lips, salivary glands, pharynx, larynx and sinuses and other sites of the head and neck.5

In the survey, very few UK respondents (14%)1 recognised infection with the human Papillomavirus (HPV)** as a risk factor for head and neck cancer, studies indicating presence of the virus in 26-34% of cases of the cancer.6,7 Only 41% correctly cited (prolonged) sun exposure and only 52% cited alcohol as risk factors.1,8

Not all bad news for the UK

The survey did point to an encouraging finding for the UK public compared with the other six countries in the research: Identification of smoking as a risk factor for head and neck cancer was achieved by 86% of UK respondents, which was in line with other countries, but only 43% said they actually knew a heavy smoker, compared with 77% in Spain and 78% in Italy.1

In line with the fall in the overall prevalence of cigarette smoking9 and the positive impact of anti-smoking measures3, these results suggest that the UK is ahead of its neighbours in terms of progress on smoking - which is estimated to increase the risk of developing head and neck cancer ten-fold.10

"Although the new survey confirms that almost nine out of ten in the UK1 know smoking is a major risk factor8, it is worrying that only one in two are aware1 that alcohol is a risk factor of head and neck cancer8 and that only one in seven are aware1 that HPV is a risk factor8. If prevention is to be successful, awareness of all these risk factors needs to be much higher," added Dr Vinod Joshi of the Mouth Cancer Foundation.

In terms of symptom recognition, a few of the more obvious symptoms were recognised by UK respondents, with the highest being a lump in the neck identified by 78%. Other symptoms were identified by significantly smaller proportions of people. Jaw swelling, earache and a persistent blocked nose, were identified by only 45%, 22% and 19% respectively.1,11

* The 'About Face' survey was conducted across seven European countries: France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and the UK with 7,520 responses collected (1002 from the UK). The data and analysis was conducted by TNS Healthcare.1

** Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the name for a common group of viruses. There are over 100 different types of HPV which affect the skin and the mucosa (the moist membranes that line parts of the body, such as the insides the mouth, throat, cervix and anus). Some types of HPV are known to increase the risk of developing particular types of cancer and are known as high-risk HPVs. Over 10 different types of high-risk HPV can be passed from one person to another. HPV is spread through skin contact, often during sex.2

References

1. 'About Face' Head and Neck Cancer Awareness EU Omnibus Survey, TNS Healthcare September 2008

2. Cancerbackup and MacMillan Cancer Support Website Cancerbackup and MacMillan Cancer Support Website (last accessed Feb 2009)

3. Cancer Research UK Website CancerStats http://info.cancerresearchuk.org/cancerstats/types/larynx/?a=5441 and http://info.cancerresearchuk.org/cancerstats/types/oral/?a=54412 and http://info.cancerresearchuk.org/news/archive/pressreleases/2009/february/experts-predict-drop-lung-cancer (last accessed Feb 2009)

4. Mouth Cancer Awareness Action Week 2008 Press Pack (last accessed Feb 2009)

5. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). Healthcare Services for Head and Neck Cancer: Understanding NICE Guidance - Information for the Public. 2004

6. McKaig RG et al. Human papillomavirus and head and neck cancer: epidemiology and molecular biology. Head Neck 1998 May;20(3):250-65 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9570632 (last accessed Feb 2009)

7. Kramer AR et al, Human papillomavirus types in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas worldwide: a systematic review. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2005;14(2):467-75

8. American Society for Clinical Oncology (last accessed Feb 2009)

9. National Statistics Online (last accessed Feb 2009)

10. University of York Centre for Reviews and Dissemination. Management of head and neck cancers. Eff Health Care 2004; 8(5)

11. National Cancer Institute Factsheet (last accessed Feb 2008)

About EHNS

The EHNS was convened in early 2006 and its aim is to promote exchange of knowledge in all aspects of head and neck neoplastic disease (or cancer) and to promote the highest standards of research, education and training, disease prevention and patient care across Europe. The EHNS consists of a multi-disciplinary body bringing together clinicians, other healthcare professionals, scientists and patient organizations involved in any aspect of head and neck oncology. The society consists of individuals, national and multi-national societies and associated study groups oriented towards head and neck cancer research, training and treatment throughout Europe.

About Merck Serono

Merck Serono is the division for innovative prescription pharmaceuticals of Merck, a global pharmaceutical and chemical group. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, Merck Serono discovers, develops, manufactures and markets innovative small molecules and biopharmaceuticals to help patients with unmet medical needs. Its North American business operates in the United States and Canada as EMD Serono.

Merck Serono has leading brands serving patients with cancer (Erbitux®), multiple sclerosis (Rebif®), infertility (Gonal-f®), endocrine and cardiometabolic disorders (Glucophage®, Concor®, Saizen® and Serostim®).

With an annual R&D investment of around € 1bn, Merck Serono is committed to growing its business in specialist-focused therapeutic areas including neurodegenerative diseases, oncology, fertility and endocrinology, as well as new areas potentially arising out of research and development in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. http://www.merckserono.com/

About Merck

All Merck Press Releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Website.

Merck is a global pharmaceutical and chemical company with total revenues of € 7.6 billion in 2008, a history that began in 1668, and a future shaped by 32,800 employees in 59 countries. Its success is characterized by innovations from entrepreneurial employees. Merck's operating activities come under the umbrella of Merck KGaA, in which the Merck family holds an approximately 70% interest and free shareholders own the remaining approximately 30%. In 1917 the U.S. subsidiary Merck & Co. was expropriated and has been an independent company ever since.

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