Uterine Cancer: Prognosis and Survival Rates

Uterine cancer is the most common gynecologic cancer. About 3.1% of women will be diagnosed with it during their lifetime. Prognosis and survival rates vary widely depending on several factors, including the stage, tumor type and overall health of the patient.

• Cancer stage: The stage at diagnosis is the most important factor. Cancer detected early is more likely to be treated successfully.
• Tumor grade: Tumor grade reflects how abnormal the cancer cells look under a microscope. Lower-grade tumors tend to grow more slowly and have better outcomes.
• Subtype: Different types of uterine cancer behave differently. Endometrial cancer generally has a better prognosis than uterine sarcoma.
• Patient factors (such as age and overall health): Age, overall health, obesity, and genetic conditions can all influence disease outcomes.

The five-year relative survival rate refers to the percentage of people who are alive five years after being diagnosed with cancer, compared with people in the general population without that cancer. According to the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, it is classified into 3 stages:

• Localized: Cancer is confined to the uterus.
• Regional: Cancer has spread to nearby tissues or organs in the pelvis.
• Distant: Cancer has spread to distant parts of the body.

Based on epidemiological data for uterine cancer from 2015–2021, the overall five-year relative survival rate for uterine cancer is 81%. Outcomes are significantly better when uterine cancer is diagnosed early.

*The data for five-year relative survival rates for endometrial cancer are estimates based on endometrial cancer cases from 2014–2020. The data for five-year relative survival rates for uterine sarcoma are estimates based on uterine sarcoma cases from 2012–2018.

Survival rates can be helpful for understanding general trends, but they have limitations:

• They are based on past data
• They do not reflect newer treatments
• They cannot predict individual outcomes

Your prognosis depends on your specific diagnosis, treatment, and overall health.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with uterine cancer:

• Early detection significantly improves outcomes
• Treatment advances continue to improve survival
• Your healthcare provider can give the most accurate information on your situation