Survival of younger cervical carcinoma patients treated by radical radiotherapy in the West of Scotland 1964–1984

Abstract

Summary. Between 1964 and 1984, 2011 patients in the West of Scotland were treated by radical radiotherapy for carcinoma of cervix. In keeping with the rise in incidence amongst younger patients nationally, the number of women aged <35 years seen during the 20-year period has doubled. Younger women (aged <35 or <45) have a better prognosis mainly because more present with earlier disease. Stage for stage there has been no change in survival of women of all ages treated by identical radiotherapy during this period. The rise in mortality of younger patients from carcinoma of cervix may be due to the increased incidence of the condition rather than a more virulent form of the disease.