The influence of age on prognosis in carcinoma of the cervix

Abstract

Summary. Of 385 new patients with invasive carcinoma of the cervix FIGO stages IB—IV treated between 1970–1984 inclusive, 11% (43 patients) were aged ≤35 years. During the period studied there was a gradual rise in the proportion of such young women from 2% for the triennium 1970–1972 to 18% for 1982–1984. In women aged ≤35 years early stage disease predominated, 72% presenting with stage IB disease, compared with 29% in the older age group. For FIGO stage IB there was no significant difference in actuarial survival between younger and older patients (P>0·1), both age groups having a 5-year survival rate of 81%. Similarly for FIGO stage II there was no difference in actuarial survival (P>0·1) between younger and older patients who had 5-year survival rates of 66% and 63% respectively. In our experience the incidence of invasive carcinoma of the cervix in young women is rising, but stage for stage their survival is similar to that of older women.