Canadian Cancer Statistics 2016 shows sharp rise in mouth and throat cancers among men

The 2016 edition of Canadian Cancer Statistics, released October 19 by the Canadian Cancer Society, provides updated estimates of the state of cancer in Canada with a special focus on human papillomavirus (HPV)-related cancers. According to the report, cancers of the mouth and throat caused by HPV are rising dramatically among Canadian men and are poised to surpass the rate of cervical cancer in females.

The Canadian Cancer Society estimates that in 2016, nearly 4,400 Canadians will be diagnosed with an HPV-related cancer and about 1,200 Canadians will die from an HPV-related cancer. The incidence of HPV-related mouth and throat cancers increased 56% in males and 17% in females between 1992 and 2012, with mouth and throat cancers now representing one-third of all HPV cancers in Canada.

Chapter 7 of the publication presents projections of the future impact of different prevention scenarios on the burden of cervical cancer, generated by the Partnership’s OncoSim model (formerly known as the Cancer Risk Management Model). OncoSim is a validated digital microsimulation tool that uses the most current Canadian data to help researchers and policymakers recommend cancer screening, prevention and treatment policy changes based on projections of their future impact on outcomes such as incidence, mortality and economic burden.

OncoSim modeling found that cervical cancer incidence and mortality could decrease by 2036 with moderate to high HPV vaccination rates among girls. Findings from OncoSim also point to lower costs associated with an age-based, sequential screening strategy of Pap testing followed by HPV testing compared to a Pap only strategy in this time period.

Visit cancer.ca/statistics to read Canadian Cancer Statistics 2016.