Student National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, GUWAHATI, India
Background: The Northeast region of India has the highest incidence of head and neck cancer in India, and is also burdened by a higher prevalence of risk factors and inadequate cancer treatment facilities however, the societal costs of cancer have rarely been assessed in this region.
Objectives: To determine the years of potential productive life lost (YPPLL)from head and neck cancer in Northeast India.
Methods: A Retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary care cancer hospital with the data of patients who registered in hospital between 2018 and 2020. We included Patients aged ≥18 years and of any gender, diagnosed with head and neck cancer and with premature mortality due to head and neck cancer. Patients with other cancer and head and neck cancer, who are still alive, and patients not taking treatment from the hospital were excluded from the study. YPPLL was estimated by multiplying the number of head and neck cancer-specific deaths by the expected productive years remaining for the patient, fixing the retirement age at 60 years.
Results: 11236 patients were registered at the hospital's head and neck department, of which 4518 met the inclusion criteria for the study. There were 936 premature deaths, 756 males and 180 females. Head and neck cancer caused 11,059 YPPLL, including oral cavity 4474, Throat (Pharynx) 1922, larynx (voice box) 4020, paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity 260, Salivary glands 62, and thyroid gland 321. For males and females, the highest values of YPPLL were observed between the age of 45 and 49.
Conclusions: Head and neck cancer represents a significant burden that can be reduced with the implementation of improved diagnosis and treatment methods, which must be taken into account in resource allocation and management policies.
