Exploring the Link between Head and Neck Cancer and Elevated Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis: A National Population-Based Cohort Study

Simple Summary Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) exhibits an elevated susceptibility to cancer. Nevertheless, the equivalence of this risk among those afflicted with head and neck cancer (HNC) remains a subject of uncertainty. Our findings unveiled a heightened probability of RA development among individuals with HNC. Notably, this risk is most pronounced immediately following the diagnosis of HNC and exhibits a persistent upward trajectory. Particularly noteworthy is the discerned association between men in their middle age, specifically those with oral cancer, and an augmented linkage to RA. These revelations furnish novel insights and significant information concerning the interconnection between HNC and RA.Abstract An increased risk of cancer among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been reported. However, the risk of RA events among patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) is unknown. Therefore, we investigated the incidence and risk of RA among patients with HNC. This study was based on a cohort dataset. Overall, 2824 individuals without HNC and 706 patients with HNC were selected using propensity score matching. The overall RA event rate was 12.19 for patients with HNC and 7.60 for those without HNC. A significantly increased risk of developing RA was also observed among patients with HNC. The risk of developing RA over time was relatively high within the first year after HNC diagnosis; further, it increased significantly during the follow-up period. Moreover, middle-aged male patients with HNC exhibited an increased risk of developing RA compared with the controls; however, no significant difference was noted among female patients or other age groups. Notably, subgroup analysis according to cancer subtype revealed that only oral cancer survivors had an increased risk of developing RA. These results underscore the importance of vigilant monitoring by clinicians to promptly identify the onset of RA in patients with HNC.