Head and neck cancer among U.S. active component service members, 2010-2024

This study utilized de-identified surveillance data to estimate the incidence of head and neck cancer among active component service members (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard) from 2010 through 2024. This report updates the June 2021 MSMR analysis of oral and pharyngeal cancers (2007-2019) by expanding the case definition to include all head and neck cancers and extending the surveillance period through 2024. There were 549 cases of head and neck cancer diagnosed in the active component military during the 15-year period of analysis. The Army had the highest 15-year incidence rate (3.3 per 100,000 person-years) compared to the Navy (2.6 per 100,000), Air Force (2.6 per 100,000), Coast Guard (2.0 per 100,000), and Marine Corps (1.3 per 100,000). Service members ages 40 years and older had the highest overall incidence rate (12.3 per 100,000), which was 3.3 times the next highest rate observed among those ages 35-39 years. The 15-year male incidence rate (2.9 per 100,000) was greater than that among females (1.7 per 100,000). The parotid gland was the most common site of diagnosis, comprising 14.8% of cases. This report provides the most current head and neck cancer incidence data for active component service members from 2010 through 2024; it establishes baseline rates for monitoring of future trends and highlights specific high-risk populations (e.g., men, Army personnel, service members ages 40 years and older). Although head and neck cancer is the seventh most prevalent cancer worldwide, its incidence among active component service members is seldom reported. Head and neck cancer is often not diagnosed until it has metastasized. Significant physical limitations (e.g., difficulty chewing, speaking, and swallowing) and psychosocial effects (e.g., anxiety, depression, social isolation), compromising service member readiness, can accompany this type of cancer.