Epidemiology

The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2024 there will be about 12,650 new cases of laryngeal cancer (10,030 in men and 2620 in women). There will be an estimated 3880 deaths.[3]​ Most cases are diagnosed in people 55 years and older; the median age at diagnosis is 66.[4]​ The incidence of laryngeal cancer is falling by about 2% per year, most likely because fewer people are smoking.[4][5]​​​ Worldwide, there were over 184,000 cases of laryngeal cancer in 2020. The highest incidence was in central, eastern and southern Europe, and the Caribbean.[6] Data from the UK and Puerto Rico suggest that rates are declining.[7][8]​ However, the prevalence seems to be increasing in central and eastern European countries.[9]​ Data from Denmark suggest that the incidence of the cancer increases with decreasing socio-economic position.[10]

Incidence and mortality is highest in non-Hispanic black men.[4]​ The male-to-female incidence ratio is about 5:1.​[4]​​​ However, in several countries there are increased numbers of women presenting with laryngeal cancer, presumably as the number of women who smoke increases.​[11]​​​​​​​​​

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