Nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) is fairly rare in most parts of the world. In North America, it occurs in about 7 in every 1 million people. This may add up to about 2,000 cases a year in the United States.

This cancer is, however, much more common in certain parts of Asia and North Africa, particularly in Southeast China. It is also more common among Inuits of Alaska, and among some immigrant groups in the United States, such as recent Chinese and Hmong immigrants.

The risk of NPC increases slowly throughout life, but it can occur in people of any age, including children. About half of the people with NPC in the United States are younger than 55 years old.

Last Medical Review: 01/21/2009
Last Revised: 01/21/2009