Trends in survival for patients with esophageal cancer in Japan, 2000-14 (CONCORD-3)

We assessed trends and international comparisons of net survival for patients with esophageal cancer using data from Japanese regional population-based cancer registries participating in the CONCORD-3 study.

The analysis included 63 631 patients aged 15-99 years diagnosed with esophageal cancer during 2000-14, with follow-up completed either 5 years after diagnosis or by 31 December 2014. Five-year net survival was estimated using the Pohar Perme estimator, by sex, anatomical subsite, calendar period of diagnosis, and extent of disease. Survival estimates were age-standardized using the International Cancer Survival Standard weights.

During 2000-14, the age-standardized 5-year net survival for esophageal cancer improved from 27.7% (95% CI: 26.4%-29.0%) in 2000-04 to 36.0% (34.8%-37.3%) in 2010-14. This increase corresponded with a higher proportion of patients with localized disease. In 2010-14, survival was notably higher among women, at 42.6% (39.7%-45.5%), than among men, at 36.0% (34.8%-37.3%), and among patients aged 45-54 years at 39.7% (35.5%-44.0%), 55-64 years at 38.9% (37.0%-40.8%), and 65-74 years at 39.4% (37.8%-41.1%). Survival remained lower among the oldest patients, aged 75-99 years, at 29.0% (27.0%-31.0%). By anatomical subsite, survival was highest for the "abdominal, or lower third" segment of the esophagus, followed by the "thoracic, or middle third," while the "cervical, or upper third" showed the lowest survival.

Survival for esophageal cancer in Japan has improved, largely attributable to early detection. Variations by sex, age, and subsite were evident. Detailed analyses using population-based registry data will provide evidence to aid the development of effective cancer control strategies.