Systematic Review of Head and Neck Cancer in Jordan

Abstract

Head and neck cancer (HNC) is the seventh most prevalent cancer and the other cancer group in terms of global population and mortality of males. It includes cancers of the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, larynx, nasal cavity, and paranasal sinuses, as well as malignant neoplasm in lymph nodes and salivary glands. HNC is estimated to reach 813,803 new cases and 440,262 deaths globally in 2020, and the rate is expected to rise in the future. HNC burden varies significantly according to geographic regions, ethnicity, and lifestyle. Tobacco smoking, chewing, betel quid consumption, and heavy alcoholic drinking are major modifiable risk factors contributing to the immense burden in low- and middle-income countries. An increase in the incidence of human papillomavirus (HPV) associated HNC subtypes among younger populations with no history of conventional risk factors attributes to a new epidemic and is a growing health concern in higher-income countries. It is known for decades as the poorest and most under-resourced country in the globe and causes inappropriate prioritization of socioeconomic issues based on inequity aggregated estimates. Nevertheless, effective evidence-based public health intervention and cancer control programs for allocation of limited health resources require a detailed description of national disease burden. Despite an unremitting decade-long civil war and socioeconomic crisis, to the best of comprehension, no national estimate for HNC risk factors, incidence, mortality, stage distribution, or unmet needs for services exists for Jordan. In order to address this monumental research gap and also stimulate high-quality evidence generation in other countries under the pressing risk of misestimation and inappropriate allocation of health resources globally, this study aims to systematically review and critically appraise literature on the epidemiology of HNC in Jordan. The epidemiological measures of interest include societal risk factors, incidence rate, mortality rate, age incidence count, stage distribution, and health services. Sociodemographic information, geographic coverage, and quality of the studies will also be addressed.

Keywords: Head and Neck Cancer, oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, larynx, nasal cavity