Sho Nakamura

Trends in 5-year net survival for women diagnosed with breast, cervical or ovarian cancer in Japan, 2000–14 (CONCORD-3)

Abstract Background Breast, cervical and ovarian cancers significantly affect young and middle-aged women, both physically and socially. However, relevant comprehensive stratified analyses are limited. Using Japanese data from CONCORD-3, a global cancer survival surveillance program, we analyzed long-term survival trends. Methods Data from 16 Japanese population-based cancer registries were analyzed for women diagnosed aged 15–99 years during 2000–2014 with a tumor originating in the breast, cervix uteri or ovaries. Follow-up was extended to five years post-diagnosis or until December 31st, 2014. In situ tumors and death-certificate-only registrations were excluded. Five-year net survival was estimated with the Pohar Perme estimator by calendar period of diagnosis, morphology and stage, and age-standardized with International Cancer Survival Standard weights. Results During 2000–2014, 5-year net survival improved for breast cancer from 85.9% (95% CI, 85.2–86.6%) to 89.4% (88.9–89.9%), for cervical cancer from 67.5% (66.3–68.7%) to 71.4% (70.4–72.3%), and for ovarian cancer from 35.5% (33.8–37.2%) to 46.3% (44.9–47.7%). Five-year survival for tumors diagnosed at a localized stage remained consistently high (>98% for breast cancer and > 90% for cervical cancer). Ovarian cancer survival varied greatly according to morphology. Conclusions Five-year net survival for women with cancers of the breast, cervix, and ovary) in Japan improved during 2000–2014, and remained at a globally high level throughout this period. These gains are probably attributable to earlier detection of breast and cervical cancers and advances in multimodal treatment for all cancers. Survival for distant-stage cervical and ovarian cancers remains a challenge, underscoring the need for enhanced screening and treatment strategies.