Changing incidence of cancer of the tongue, oral cavity, and pharynx in Denmark.

The present paper describes the trend in incidence of oral and pharyngeal carcinomas in Denmark in the period 1943-1985, and provides an illustration of the effect of birth cohort on the overall trend. The results are discussed in relation to changes in consumption of alcoholic beverages and tobacco, and to changes in dietary habits in this century. The incidence of these cancers appear to be increasing rapidly in response to the increasing level of alcohol consumption in Denmark.