Survival rates of patients with cancer of the lip, mouth and pharynx: a cohort study of 10 years

Introduction: Cancer of the lip, mouth and pharynx is a serious health problem. High incidence rates are found worldwide. In Brazil, the Southern and Southeastern regions have the highest incidences in the country. Objective: To describe 5 and 10-year survival rates in patients with cancer of the lip, mouth and pharynx at a referral center in Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil. Methods: Retrospective cohort study using data from patients diagnosed between January 1st and December 31st, 2001, with follow-up until December 31st, 2011. Descriptive analysis was performed and survival was estimated by Kaplan-Meier method. Cox semi-parametric model was used to estimate death risk. Results: Survival rates at 5 and 10 years were 33.3 and 26.9%, respectively. Advanced clinical stage in the diagnosis increased death risk by 2.88 and 2.51, respectively. Sex, ethnicity, level of education, previous diagnosis and treatment, as well as age, did not show significant association. Conclusion: Survival rate at 5 years was 33.3% and, at 10 years, was 26.9%. Advanced stage was an independent risk factor for death due to cancer of the lip, mouth and pharynx in both periods analyzed.