ABSTRACT
@#Introduction: Nasopharyngeal cancer is known to be a rare malignancy that effects the head and neck region involving the nasopharynx. It has a 0.8% occurrence rate among all types of cancer and has many risk factors ranging from viral infections to dietary intake habits. This study aims in determining the geographical variations across the world and its associated risk factors with nasopharyngeal cancer. Methods: The study was initiated by extracting relevant literature articles from electronic databases such as PubMed, Science Direct and SEER from 2008-2018. Search strategy also included key terms; nasopharyngeal cancer, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, prevalence, risk factors, geographic variation, distribution, incidences, epidemiology and mortality. Results: Nasopharyngeal cancer is most common in Asia and China had the most number of new cases diagnosed in 2018. The standard incidence rate of nasopharyngeal cancer globally in 2018 was 1.5 per 100,000. The standardized mortality rate for nasopharyngeal cancer globally in 2018 was 0.84 per 100,000. The 5 identified countries with the highest mortality rates were China, Indonesia, Vietnam, India and Philippines accordingly. Among the risk factors attributing to the incidences of nasopharyngeal cancer are Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) infection, salted and preserved food consumption and tobacco smoking. Conclusion: Nasopharyngeal cancer is strongly associated with the variation of geographical regions therefore adequate knowledge, early detection, immediate administration of treatment and rapid detection is vital in reducing the global incidence burden.