Introduction
Nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) is the malignant changes in the tissues of the nasopharynx. The cancer is more common in southern part of China than in Western countries. In 2008, NPC was the fifth commonest cancer in men and twelfth in women. It accounted for 3.8% of all cancer new cases.
New cases
In 2008, there were 926 new cases of NPC, with 679 cases of males and 247 cases of females. The male to female ratio was about 2.7 to 1. The crude incidence rates of NPC were 20.6 for male and 6.7 for female per 100 000 population of respective sex. The age-standardized incidence rates were 14.9 for male and 4.8 for female per 100 000 standard population. In the past two decades, the age-standardized incidence rate for both sexes had a downward trend.
Number of new cases and crude incidence rate of
malignant neoplasm of nasopharynx by sex, 1983-2000
Number of new cases and crude incidence rate of malignant
neoplasm of nasopharynx by sex, 2001-2008
Age-standardized incidence rate* of malignant neoplasm of
nasopharynx by sex, 1983-2000
Age-standardized incidence rate* of malignant neoplasm of
nasopharynx by sex, 2001-2008
Notes: |
* |
Age-standardized incidence rates are compiled based on a new world standard population specified in GPE Discussion Paper Series: No.31, EIP/GPE/EBD, World Health Organization, 2001. |
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Data in the above charts from 1996 onwards are compiled based on the population estimates under the "resident population" approach instead of the "extended de facto" approach. Also, the Population By-census conducted in July to August 2006 provides a benchmark for revising the population estimates compiled since the 2001 Population Census. |
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Figures from 2001 onwards are compiled based on ICD-10 and thus may not be comparable with figures for previous years compiled based on ICD-9. |
Sources: |
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Census and Statistics Department
Department of Health
Hong Kong Cancer Registry, Hospital Authority |
Mortality
NPC caused 359 deaths in 2009, accounting for 2.8% of all cancer deaths. It was the seventh fatal cancer in Hong Kong. The crude death rates of NPC were 8.5 for male and 2.1 for female per 100 000 population of respective sex. The age-standardized death rates of NPC were 5.8 for male and 1.4 for female per 100 000 standard population. In the past 29 years, the age-standardized death rate for both sexes had a downward trend.
Number of registered deaths and crude death rate of
malignant neoplasm of nasopharynx by sex, 1981-2000
Number of registered deaths and crude death rate of
malignant neoplasm of nasopharynx by sex, 2001-2009
Age-standardized death rate* of malignant neoplasm
of nasopharynx by sex, 1981-2000
Age-standardized death rate* of malignant neoplasm
of nasopharynx by sex, 2001-2009
Notes: |
* |
Age-standardized death rates are compiled based on a new world standard population specified in GPE Discussion Paper Series: No.31, EIP/GPE/EBD, World Health Organization, 2001. |
|
|
Data in the above charts from 1996 onwards are compiled based on the population estimates under the "resident population" approach instead of the "extended de facto" approach. Also, the Population By-census conducted in July to August 2006 provides a benchmark for revising the population estimates compiled since the 2001 Population Census. |
|
|
Figures from 2001 onwards are compiled based on ICD-10 and thus may not be comparable with figures for previous years compiled based on ICD-9. |
Sources: |
|
Census and Statistics Department
Department of Health |
Classification of diseases and causes of death is based on the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD) 10th Revision from 2001 onwards. Figures from 2001 onwards may not be comparable with figures for previous years which were compiled based on the ICD 9th Revision. Hence, caution should be exercised when interpreting the trend of diseases across 2000 and 2001.
Nasopharyngeal cancer corresponds to codes 147 in ICD-9 and C11 in ICD-10.
Symptoms
Symptoms may include a lump in the neck region, difficulty in breathing, speaking and hearing, nose bleeds, sore throat, ear pain, ringing in the ear and headache.
Risk factors
The aetiology of NPC is not well understood. Family history of NPC increases one's risk of developing the cancer. The Epstein-Barr virus is strongly associated with the development of NPC. Consumption of Chinese-style salted fish, in particular in infancy and childhood, and tobacco smoking, have been established as causes of NPC.
Prevention
Avoid smoking and reduce consumption of salt fish (in particular in infancy and childhood) will decrease the chance of developing NPC. Early detection of the cancer improves the chance of cure. Persons with persistence of any of the above symptoms should consult the doctor early for proper diagnosis and management.
Related information
The Cancer Expert Working Group on Cancer Prevention and Screening under the Cancer Coordinating Committee provides recommendations on preventive measures and screening of major cancers based on a standardised review of scientific evidence. To view the information, please click the following link.
The Department of Health provides Smoking Cessation Services for smokers including Smoking Cessation Hotline and Smoking Cessation Programme. To know more on harmful effects of smoking and tobacco control in Hong Kong, please visit the website of our Tobacco Control Office.
For general information on cancer prevention, please browse the website of the Health Zone and Men's Health Programme.
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