Declining use of radiotherapy for invasive cervical cancer in Connecticut: 1983-1990

Data on the use of radiotherapy (i.e., external irradiation and/or intracavitary radioactive implants) in the first course of treatment were examined for all 1286 invasive cervical cancer cases diagnosed between 1983 and 1990 among Connecticut residents. These data, from a population-based cancer registry, reflect actual treatment practices in the geographic area under study. Use of radiotherapy declined from 62% in 1983 to 43% in 1990 (trend test P < 0.001); for "local"-stage cancers, the decline was from 50% in 1983 to 27% in 1990 (P < 0.001). Surveys are needed on physicians' attitudes and decisions regarding alternative treatments for cervical cancer.