Survival of ovarian cancer in Iran: 2000-2004.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to estimate the 5-year survival of ovarian cancer in Iran between 2000 and 2004, according to age and histology. METHODS Cancer registry of Iran, 2000-2004, was used covering nearly 80% of all ovarian cancers and 100% of all pathologically diagnosed ovarian cancers. RESULTS Of 1,246 new ovarian cancer cases, 451 were available for further follow-up, which revealed 169 deaths and 282 live cases. The 5-year survival was 61%; 85% for germ cell tumors and 59% for epithelial tumors. Survival of serous, mucinous, endometrioid and clear cell histologic subtypes of epithelial tumors was 41%, 62%, 76% and 78%, respectively. Young patients with epithelial tumors (below 45) displayed significantly better 5-year survival rates (63% versus 53%). CONCLUSION we found that ovarian cancer had a better survival rate in Iran in comparison to other regions. We also reviewed all probable confounding factors or real causes. In this study, age and histology affected survival.