Can I Survive Cervical Cancer?
Survival statistics for cancer are generally
written as "5-year survival" or "10-year
survival." The five and ten year timeframe
is convenient as they can be easily referred
to in research studies. However, these statistics
may be confusing since a 5-year survival actually
means that x percent of patients were alive five
years after they were diagnosed. It does not
mean they lived for exactly five years, then died.
In addition, a 5-year survival does not mean they
were all cured.
For many types of cancer the chance of recurrence of the disease after five years is much lower than after two years. The longer a person is cancer free, the less likely the cancer will return.
2006 American
Cancer Society's Facts and
Figures |
- The 5-year survival rate for pre-invasive
cervical cancer, meaning it has not
spread outside the cervix, is nearly
100 percent.
- Almost 90 percent of women with
cervical cancer survive one year.
- About 73 percent of women with
cervical cancer survive five years.
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Death rates for women with cervical cancer have
steadily declined over the past several decades.
The reason? More women are taking preventive
action and getting screened. When detected early
and managed effectively, cervical cancer can
be treated with success. The key words are “early
detection.” All
women over 18 or who are sexually active need
to commit to regular Pap tests and, when appropriate,
HPV screening, to ensure that they can get
an early diagnosis.
When
detected early and managed effectively,
cervical cancer can be treated with
success.
For extensive cervical
cancer information,
visit Oncolink. |
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If you have been diagnosed with cervical cancer,
be an informed consumer. Know your options when
considering treatment. Talk with your doctor.
Find out exactly why he or she is recommending
certain treatments or tests.
When reviewing the
consequences of major surgery or radiation, focus
on why certain procedures are necessary and do
not procrastinate. Being educated about your
health condition will aid you in making choices
that are best for you and your family.
How Penn’s Gynecologic Oncology Team Can
Help You
Penn's Division of Gynecologic
Oncology has a national reputation
for outstanding patient care and providing innovative
treatment approaches. U.S.
News and World report consistently
ranks Penn among the top in the nation for cancer
and women's health services.
Penn has more full-time board certified gynecologic
oncologists than any other hospital in the Philadelphia
region. Another distinguishing factor is our
team approach to patient care. Our gynecologic
oncologists work closely with other Penn specialists
and your personal physician to provide you with
comprehensive integrated care.
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