Head and neck cancers (HNC) have shown a global increase in incidence from 1990 to 2019, while mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) have decreased. The incidence rate (ASIR) has risen, particularly among women, while mortality (ASDR) and DALYs have declined. In low socio-demographic index (SDI) regions, under-20s have seen increased HNC-related deaths and DALYs. Thyroid cancer mortality has increased in those over 60. The study analyzed trends by region, gender, age, and tumor subtypes. HNC incidence increased globally, with East Asia showing the highest annual increase in ASIR. In contrast, Southern Latin America had the greatest decrease in ASIR and age-standardized DALYs. Female HNC incidence increased more than male incidence, and female mortality decreased less than male mortality. In low SDI regions, HNC-related deaths and DALYs in under-20s increased. For thyroid cancer, mortality increased in those over 60. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to reduce mortality in young patients in low SDI regions and in elderly patients with thyroid cancer. The findings suggest that improved screening, early detection, and treatment have contributed to reduced mortality and DALYs. However, disparities in disease burden persist, with high SDI regions showing lower mortality and DALYs compared to low SDI regions. The study underscores the importance of addressing risk factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and HPV infections to reduce HNC incidence. It also emphasizes the need for improved healthcare access in low SDI regions to reduce mortality and disability. The study provides insights for tailored public health strategies to address the global burden of HNC.Head and neck cancers (HNC) have shown a global increase in incidence from 1990 to 2019, while mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) have decreased. The incidence rate (ASIR) has risen, particularly among women, while mortality (ASDR) and DALYs have declined. In low socio-demographic index (SDI) regions, under-20s have seen increased HNC-related deaths and DALYs. Thyroid cancer mortality has increased in those over 60. The study analyzed trends by region, gender, age, and tumor subtypes. HNC incidence increased globally, with East Asia showing the highest annual increase in ASIR. In contrast, Southern Latin America had the greatest decrease in ASIR and age-standardized DALYs. Female HNC incidence increased more than male incidence, and female mortality decreased less than male mortality. In low SDI regions, HNC-related deaths and DALYs in under-20s increased. For thyroid cancer, mortality increased in those over 60. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to reduce mortality in young patients in low SDI regions and in elderly patients with thyroid cancer. The findings suggest that improved screening, early detection, and treatment have contributed to reduced mortality and DALYs. However, disparities in disease burden persist, with high SDI regions showing lower mortality and DALYs compared to low SDI regions. The study underscores the importance of addressing risk factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and HPV infections to reduce HNC incidence. It also emphasizes the need for improved healthcare access in low SDI regions to reduce mortality and disability. The study provides insights for tailored public health strategies to address the global burden of HNC.