Incidence data from many cancer registries throughout the world are presented for the major sub-sites of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers. Correlations between glottic (161.0) supra-glottic (161.1) and pyriform sinus (148.1) cancers, and cancers at sites known to be associated with tobacco and alcohol on the one hand, and to annual tobacco and alcohol consumption on the other, are examined. The major role of alcohol in males, suggested by previous studies, is confirmed, but the effect of tobacco does not emerge at population level.