[Current possibilities for the decrease of mortality risk in patients with head and neck cancers]

The frequency, survival rates and risk factors for head and neck cancer were reviewed. The most common site in Poland is larynx, accounting for almost 50% of head and neck sites. The second group (each about 15%) are neoplasms of mouth and lip. The differences in 5-year survival for males and females with cancer of larynx, pharynx and mouth are not significant. Our survival rates are not significantly different from European mean. The main risk factors for head and neck cancer are smoking and alcohol drinking together with rare consumption of fruit and vegetables. Dentists are particularly responsible for early diagnosis of head and neck cancer. Chemioprevention can decrease the risk of second primary cancer and cytogenetic tests should in future decide about primary and secondary prevention.