[Head and neck cancer. Risk factors and prevention]

The frequency of squamous cell carcinoma originating in head and neck mucosae has increased worldwide in the last decade, particularly in countries with emerging economies; oral cavity cancer is ranked in 6th place for all neoplasias. We conducted a literature review related to epidemiology and risk factors in head and neck cancer in order to analyze the most significant etiological factors and to emphasize prevention of carcinoma originating in head and neck mucosae. The prognosis in head and neck cancer patients depends on the clinical stage at time of diagnosis; therefore, identification of high-risk populations, precancerous lesions and early diagnosis decrease mortality. Nevertheless, the major effort must be on primary prevention.