International Consortium for Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness (ICOHANCA)

Oral and pharyngeal cancer is the sixth most common malignancy reported worldwide and one with high mortality ratios among all malignancies. Cancers in the mouth, tongue, lips, throat, salivary glands, pharynx, larynx, sinus, thyroid, and other sites located in the head and neck area together have a higher proportion of deaths per number of cases than breast cancer, cervical cancer or melanoma.

The incidence and mortality from oral cancer is rising in several regions of Europe, Taiwan, Japan and Australia. Although there have been significant improvements in treatment, many patients present with advanced disease, and 5-year survival rates have not improved overall for the last few decades. We know that the nature of cancer is changing and people are living longer after a cancer diagnosis.

Comprehension of early detection methodology and risk factors does not seem to change the incidence in many of those at greatest risk - such as people of low socioeconomic status, those in resource poor countries, and users of tobacco, alcohol or betel nut. However, a number of internet sites provide access to information about the risk factors, signs and symptoms, treatments, current research, and related news. Patients, survivors, and health care professionals can gain insights and many have links to other pertinent oral cancer data on the web and elsewhere for patients, caregivers, and the public. Amongst such sites are several significant organizations in USA, UK and France (Table 1) who have recently, following discussions centered on the first congress of the International Academy of Oral Oncology (IAOO), agreed to collaborate. None of these organizations are treatment institutions and they do not conduct clinical trials.

We propose that 2010 be an inaugural International Consortium year for a joint awareness event and that we identify a specific date(s) incorporating public relations events into a single International event. This proposal includes a decision to approach for collaboration, the IAOO (http://www.iaoo2007.com/), International Federation of Head and Neck Oncological Societies (IFHNOS) (http://www.ifhnos.org/), and the International Conference on Head and Neck Cancer (http://www.headandneckcancer.org/).

We welcome comments from interested individuals, organizations, countries, and governments worldwide to enhance awareness and reduce morbidity and mortality related to this disease.

Table 1.

Last updated: 01/01/2011