Head and Neck Cancer

Cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, and salivary glands. HPV-driven and smoking-driven subtypes behave differently; trials often stratify on HPV status.

69.5%

5-year relative survival

U.S. average across all stages

300

recruiting trials

Active in the U.S. right now

59,660

new diagnoses / year

You are not alone — roughly 163 people per day

median age at diagnosis

Most diagnoses occur in adults over age 50

Source: NCI SEER + ClinicalTrials.gov

Head and Neck Cancer by the numbers (U.S.)

59,660

Estimated new cases (2025)

12,770

Estimated deaths (2025)

69.5%

5-year relative survival

Median age at diagnosis

Source: NCI SEER Cancer Stat Facts

Head and Neck Cancer clinical trials →

300 actively recruiting trials across the U.S., with filters by state.

Second opinion for head and neck cancer →

Step-by-step for getting a virtual second opinion from a top cancer center.

NCI-designated cancer centers →

All 71 NCI cancer centers with hospital quality data and state browser.

Find a medical oncologist →

Licensed oncologists across every U.S. state, by specialty.

Financial aid resources →

Co-pay relief, drug patient-assistance, transportation, and lodging support.

Patient guides →

How to read a pathology report, questions to ask your oncologist, staging explained.

Also known as

oropharyngeal, laryngeal, nasopharyngeal, oral cavity cancer.

For deeper statistics

See the NCI SEER Cancer Stat Facts page: Head and Neck Cancer on SEER →