Mainly caused by an increase of carcinomas of the mouth and of the pharynx, the incidence of malignant tumours of the head and neck increased continuously, the incidence of these tumours has doubled in males. During the last twenty years, the age distribution clearly points the younger group of patients. In addition, the percentage of advanced tumours stages III and IV are increased. A more unfavourable prognosis with an increased mortality results despite of improved therapeutic techniques. The ways how to influence this development are discussed to reach the same positive situation as in total cancer treatment in the GDR.