Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is an epithelial carcinoma derived from the nasopharyngeal mucosa and compared to other cancers, it is relatively unusual. Among the main factors responsible for the development of this disease are genetic predisposition, infection with Epstein Barr virus but also diet and lifestyle. Here, was analysed the incidence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in western Romania in last six years and the influence of diet and lifestyle. N-nitroso carcinogenic compounds play an important role in the development of the disease, while dietary polyphenols can successfully combat the development of malignant processes.