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Head and Neck Cancers

The American Cancer Society estimates that in the United States, approximately 3-5 percent of all cancers will be in the head and neck region.
Cancer Types

Overview

In 2025, an estimated 59,660 Americans (42,500 men and 17,160 women) will develop head and neck cancers and (12,770 men and 9,130 women) will die of the disease this year. These tumors can begin anywhere in the head and neck region. Treatment options are based on where a head and neck cancer starts (e.g., tongue vs. throat) because each tumor site responds to treatment type in different ways. The main two forms of treatment that can cure head and neck cancers are either radiation therapy or surgery. Sometimes, chemotherapy and/or targeted systemic therapy will be used together with radiation therapy to improve the chance that the cancer will not come back or spread to other parts of the body.

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An Illustrated Guide to Head and Neck Radiation Therapy

Download the “Communicating the External Beam Radiotherapy Experience” (CEBRE) head and neck cancers guide for clear and visually engaging insights into the treatment journey. The CEBRE series was created by Daniel Golden, MD, MHPE, and supported in part by the Foundation. 

Resources

Head and Neck Cancers Brochure Head and Neck Cancers Brochure in Spanish CEBRE Guide for Head and Neck Cancers in Spanish

Learn More About Head and Neck Cancers

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Treatment Types

Treatment for head and neck cancers depends on several factors, including the type of cancer, its size and stage, its location and your overall health. For many head and neck cancers, combining two or three types of treatment may be most effective.
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Side Effects

The side effects you might experience will depend on the part of the body being treated, the dose of radiation given and whether you also receive chemotherapy. Before treatment begins, ask your doctor about possible side effects and how best to manage them.
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Caring for Yourself During Treatment

Coping with cancer can be trying. Be sure to ask friends, family, support groups and your radiation oncology team for help. Ask your doctor about what support resources are available to you.
Doctor and patient

What to Expect

Once a diagnosis of cancer has been made, you will probably talk with your primary care physician along with several cancer specialists. You will want to ask these doctors about all your treatment options.
Doctor and patient

Learn About the Patient Experience

Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be scary and overwhelming. The following videos, available in both English and Spanish, show patients what to expect during their journey.

Watch these Informative Videos
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What is Radiation Therapy

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