Survival of patients with cervical cancer in India -fi ndings from 11 population based cancer registries under National Cancer Registry Programme

Background Cancer survival data from Population Based Cancer Registries (PBCR) re fl ect the average outcome of patients in the population, which is critical for cancer control efforts. Despite decreasing incidence rates, cervical cancer is the second most common female cancer in India, accounting for 10% of all female cancers. The objective of the study is to estimate the fi ve-year survival of patients with cervical cancer diagnosed between 2012 and 2015 from the PBCRs in India. Methods A single primary incidence of cervical cancer cases of 11 PBCRs (2012 - 2015) was followed till June 30, 2021 (n = 5591). Active follow-ups were conducted through hospital visits, telephone calls, home or fi eld visits, and public databases. Five-year Observed Survival (OS) and Age Standardised Relative Survival (ASRS) was calculated. OS was measured by age and clinical extent of disease for cervical cancers. Findings The fi ve-year ASRS (95% CI) of cervical cancer was 51.7% (50.2% - 53.3%). Ahmedabad urban (61.5%; 57.4% - 65.4%) had a higher survival followed by Thiruvananthapuram (58.8%; 53.1% - 64.3%) and Kollam (56.1%; 50.7% - 61.3%). Tripura had the lowest overall survival rate (31.6%; 27.2% - 36.1%). The fi ve-year OS% for pooled PBCRs was 65.9%, 53.5%, and 18.0% for localised, regional, and distant metastasis, respectively. Interpretation We observed a wide variation in cervical cancer survival within India. The fi ndings of this study would help the policymakers to identify and address inequities in the health system. We re-emphasise the importance of awareness, early detection, and increase the improvement of the health care system.