[Epidemiologic aspects of cancers of the head-neck area]

This review gives an impression of the different epidemiological aspects of squamous cell carcinomas of the oral cavity, the pharynx and the larynx. The main riskfactor associated to development of head/neck-cancer is the chronical consumption of tobacco and alcohol. Tobacco contains different types of well known carcinogens (tobaccospecific nitrosamins, polycyclic aromatic carbonates PAH). Alcohol by itself is not described as carcinogen. The multiplicative effect on the carcinogenic potency of tobacco in head/neck-cancer caused by alcohol consumption is well documented in many epidemiological studies. Enquires were directed at occupational exposure to substances like asbestos, solvents, coal products, welding fumes, wood dust, cement and many other substances. Different authors could show that socioeconomic factors, dietary habits and life style are associated to an elevated head/neck-cancer risk, independent of alcohol and tobacco consumption.