Cervical Cancer

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Cervical Cancer Prognosis (Expectations)

Many factors influence the outcome of cervical cancer, the most important of which are:

• The type of cancer
• The stage of the disease
• The age and general physical condition of the woman

The 5-year survival rates (the chance of still being alive 5 years after the diagnosis) for women with cervical cancer who have appropriate treatment are approximately:

• 80 to 85% for tumors limited to the cervix and uterus
• 60 to 80% when the upper part of the vagina is involved
• 30 to 50% for tumors beyond the cervix and upper vagina, but still in the pelvis
• 14% when the cancer has invaded the bladder or rectum or has spread beyond the pelvis

Without treatment, or when treatment fails, cervical cancer is fatal within two years for about 95% of women.