Oral cancer in Australia--risk factors and disease distribution

There are approximately 2500 new cases of oral and pharyngeal cancer registered in Australia each year (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare). The life-time risk of developing oral cancer is approximately 1 in 90 for men and 1 in 200 for women (NHMRC 1996). In common with that of other developed countries, the incidence of oral and pharyngeal cancer in NSW showed a disturbing increase in recent decades although it has now levelled off, affecting primarily middle-aged men, (45-49 years). The highest incidence rates for males were in the western half of the State of New South Wales, sections of the Central Coast and in the inner and eastern suburbs of Sydney. Oral cancer accounts for up to 40% of all malignancies in parts of India and South East Asia. Recognized aetiological agents for oral cancer include tobacco, alcohol and use of the areca nut. The incidence of oral cancer amongst immigrant communities is examined. The easy availability of the areca nut and chewing tobacco in Australia suggests that there is a significant group at risk of developing oral cancer.