Overview of surgery for oral cavity cancer in Ontario

Background — The objective of this study was to describe variations in incidence and resection rates of patients with oral cavity cancer in Ontario.

Methods — All squamous cell cancers of the oral cavity in Ontario between 2003 -2010 were identified from the Ontario Cancer Registry. Incidence and resection rates along with variations in care were compared by sociodemographic factors and Ontario health regions.

Results — The 8-year incidence rates for OCSCC was 21.3 per 100,000 with variations by sex, age group, neighborhood income and community size. 74% of patients underwent an oral cavity cancer resection, of which 91% were at a regional head and neck cancer center. Variations in resection rates existed by region of residence and treatment.

Conclusions — Oral cavity cancer incidence rates vary by sex, age, neighborhood income, community size, and health region. Resection rates vary by age and health region. Oral cavity cancer care is highly regionalized in Ontario.