Head and Neck Cancer Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034

Head and Neck Cancer Market Overview

Head and neck cancer (HNC) starts in squamous cells that cover mucosal surfaces of the head and neck, such as the mouth, throat, larynx, sinuses, and nasal cavity. Primary categories include cancers of the mouth, throat (nose, mouth, and lower throat), voice box, nasal passages and sinuses, and saliva-producing glands. They affect regions such as lips, gums, throat, voice box, nose, sinuses, and salivary glands. The process of identifying head and neck cancers includes physical examinations, imaging tests, and taking tissue samples for analysis.

Factors that increase risk include using tobacco, drinking alcohol, and being infected with human papillomavirus (HPV). Signs may consist of a continual throat ache, trouble swallowing, loss of voice, and inexplicable bumps. Timely identification is important for improved results, as treatment choices depend on the location and stage of the cancer. Typically, treatment for head and neck cancer includes surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. The choice of treatment depends on the location of the tumor, its stage, the patient's health, and the characteristics of the tumor. Surgery eliminates tumors, then radiation is used to destroy any remaining cancer cells. Chemotherapy and radiation may be combined in more advanced cases. New possibilities for treating advanced or recurrent cases include targeted therapy and immunotherapy.

Head and Neck Cancer Market Growth Drivers

Increasing Alcohol Consumption Spurs Market Growth

The rising consumption of alcohol plays a significant role in advancing the disease prevalence. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health 2023 found that 224.3 million people aged 12 and older in the United States reported drinking alcohol at some point in their lifetime. This included 111.1 million males and 113.2 million females aged 12 and older. Among youth aged 12 to 17, 5.6 million reported drinking alcohol, with 2.5 million boys and 3.1 million girls in this age group. 218.7 million adults aged 18 and older reported alcohol use, with 108.6 million men and 110.1 million women in this age group. The combination of alcohol and smoking greatly increases the risk of oral, pharyngeal, laryngeal, and esophageal cancers. Even though there have been attempts to educate people about the connection between alcohol and cancer and encourage moderation in drinking, there is still a persistent issue of excessive alcohol consumption leading to an increase in new cancer diagnoses.

Rising Prevalence of Head and Neck Cancer

According to NHS, around 12,400 new cases of head and neck cancer are diagnosed in the United Kingdom annually. The National Cancer Institute estimates that in the United States, approximately 71,100 people will be diagnosed with oral cavity, pharynx, or larynx cancer by the end of 2024, with about 16,110 expected to die from these diseases. The disease prevalence is also expanding because of lifestyle choices such as smoking, and drinking.

Head and Neck Cancer Market Trends

Head and Neck Cancer Market Segmentation

Head and Neck Cancer Market Share

Market Segmentation Based on Treatment Type to Witness Growth

Based on the treatment type, the market is divided into chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted drug therapy, and others. Chemotherapy is expected to dominate the market for the treatment of head and neck cancer, particularly in cases where surgery is not possible, especially in advanced stages. It is frequently combined with radiation therapy or other systemic treatments and utilized in low- and middle-income countries where newer treatments may not be accessible. Chemotherapy has proved to be successful in reducing tumor size and managing disease advancement.

Head and Neck Cancer Market Analysis by Region

Based on region, the market report covers the United States, EU-4 (Germany, France, Italy, Spain), United Kingdom, Japan, and India. The United States is expected to dominate the market because of higher disease incidence, robust healthcare system, and ongoing research efforts. A rise in cancers among younger adults is creating a need for innovative treatments such as immunotherapy. The market is being supported by advanced diagnostic techniques and government initiatives, prompting pharmaceutical companies to invest significantly in research.

EU-4 and the United Kingdom are also poised to have a significant market share supported by their healthcare systems are robust, with high demand driven by factors such as HPV and lifestyle, as well as strong screening programs. The EMA is backing the growing use of immunotherapy and targeted therapies. Head & Neck Cancer Specialists and Survivors in the United Kingdom established HANCUK, a charity that aims to assist in decision-making, raise awareness for symptoms and treatment of head and neck cancer, and address treatment inequalities.

Leading Players in the Head and Neck Cancer Market

Other players in the market are AstraZeneca plc, Cumberland Pharmaceuticals Inc., GSK plc, Sanofi, and Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited.

Key Questions Answered in the Head and Neck Cancer Market Report

• What was the head and neck cancer market value in 2024?
• What is the head and neck cancer market forecast outlook for 2025-2034?
• What are the regional markets covered in the EMR report?
• What is market segmentation based on treatment type?
• What is market segmentation based on the route of administration?
• What are the major factors aiding the head and neck cancer market demand?
• Who are the major end users in the market?
• How has the market performed so far and how is it anticipated to perform in the coming years?
• What are the major drivers, opportunities, and restraints in the market?
• What are the major trends influencing the market?
• Which regional market is expected to dominate the market share in the forecast period?
• Which country is likely to experience elevated growth during the forecast period?
• Who are the key players involved in the head and neck cancer market?
• What are the current unmet needs and challenges in the market?
• How are partnerships, collaborations, mergers, and acquisitions among the key market players shaping the market dynamics?