ENT Liu Knowledge Base Head & neck tumours · physician reviewed
Laryngeal Cancer · Understanding the disease

Why is laryngeal cancer so common in Eastern Europe, Cuba and parts of South America?

Reviewed: 8 November 2026 By: Xiangpeng Liu, MD Topic: Laryngeal Cancer Answer length: short, citable
Quick answer

The pattern largely follows historical smoking and heavy alcohol exposure. Cuba (14.8/100,000), Moldova (12.2) and Romania (10.3) had the highest estimated male ASRs in 2022, while Spain, France, Italy, Hungary, Portugal and Brazil have long-standing high rates. In many high-income countries male rates are now falling as smoking declines.

In detail

Registry data also show a strong sex difference (global male ASR 3.5 vs female 0.4) and that glottic tumours dominate. Some countries, including Lithuania, Belarus and Colombia, still show increasing male trends, which is why incidence maps need a date attached.

What this means in practice: this answer is part of the “Understanding the disease” section of the Laryngeal Cancer topic. If you are comparing treatment options, also read how to compare a second opinion and which records to send.

Other common questions about laryngeal cancer

See all 14 questions in this topic →

Sources for this answer

  1. Global burden and international trends in laryngeal cancer incidence (GLOBOCAN 2022 and CI5-XII) Japanese Journal of Clinical Oncology / registry-based review · 2025
  2. Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN 2022) International Agency for Research on Cancer / WHO · 2022 · Source of worldwide and country-level incidence and mortality estimates.
  3. Global Cancer Facts & Figures, 5th Edition (GLOBOCAN 2022 tables) American Cancer Society · 2024

Written and medically reviewed by Xiangpeng Liu, MD

Associate Chief Physician, ENT & Head/Neck Surgery · Chenzhou First People’s Hospital, Chenzhou, Hunan, China

Editorial policy & reviewer credentials · All sources

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Medical disclaimer: This knowledge base is general information for people researching head and neck tumours, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. It does not replace an examination by a qualified physician. Survival figures are population averages, not predictions for an individual. Treatment and cost estimates for China are illustrative only and must be confirmed in writing after your records have been reviewed. If you have a symptom lasting more than two to three weeks, see a doctor promptly.