title: Descriptive epidemiology and risk factors for head and neck cancer.
abstract: Although more common in developing countries, over 11,000 deaths will occur in the United States from head and neck cancer in 2004. Squamous cell carcinomas account for the vast majority of cases in the United States and the majority of these are related to exposure to tobacco and alcohol. Newer data suggest a genetic contribution. This group is the focus of primary and secondary preventative efforts.
authors.affiliation: Department of Head and Neck Surgery, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Unit 441, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA. esturgis@mdanderson.org
authors.forename: Erich M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Sturgis
authors.forename: Qingyi
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Wei
authors.forename: Margaret R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Spitz
mesh_terms: D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000401:mortality; D004032:Diet; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000150:complications; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000401:mortality; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects