Background: Cervical cancer can be invasive and advanced at diagnosis causing devastating suffering and premature death. Cancer stage at presentation is related to survival evaluation and several factors determine stage. The aim of the study was to examine predictors covariates associated with cervical cancer stage and its impact on patient prognosis and survival. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out at Khartoum oncology hospital, Sudan. Participants were 239 cervical cancer patients diagnosed and treated between 2011-2015. Patients’ pathological and socio-demographic data were extracted from their medical files and survival times calculated from follow-up. Chi-square, Kaplan-Meier, Log-rank test and Cox regression model were used to examine relationships between demographic and clinical variables and survival outcome. Results: The mean age of the participants was 56.91 years and the majority were ≥45 years. Cancer survival analysis showed that stage at diagnosis had limited association with socio-demographic factors, with the exception of where patients residing. Multivariate regression using the Cox proportional hazard model confirmed strongly that stage (p=0.035, chemotherapy (p=0.000) and radiotherapy (p=0.001) were the most likely predictor covariates of patient prognosis and survival time. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest cancer stage at diagnosis and certain treatments are the most important factors impacting prognosis and survival of patients with cervical cancer. Early detection and vaccination of women against HPV infection provide enormous opportunities for early diagnosis, more effective treatment and better chances of survival.
Association of Insurance Status and Age With Cervical Cancer Stage at Diagnosis: National Cancer Database, 2000–2007
