Reproductive tract cancers differ in their responsiveness to treatment. When ovarian cancer is treated before it has spread beyond the ovaries, over 90% of ovarian cancer patients survive for 5 years. Similarly, the 5-year survival rates for endometrial and cervical cancers that are found and treated early are 95% and 92%, respectively. The 10-year survival rate for prostate cancer is 91%, and the 5-year survival rate for testicular cancer that has not spread beyond the testicle is 99%. For all of these cancers, early detection and treatment greatly increases the chances that treatment will be successful.

The stages of cancer are used to classify how much the cancer has spread from its point of origin to other parts of the body. This method helps providers appropriately manage cancer cases and provide an accurate prognosis. The commonly used system involves five stages: 0, I, II, III and IV. At stage 0, the cancer is present only in the layer of cells in which it began, stages I, II and III the cancer is localized in the organ in which it originated, the higher numbers signify more extensive disease, greater tumor size and/or spread of cancer to nearly lymph nodes and/or adjacent organs, while by stage IV the cancer has spread to distant organs.

The treatment for reproductive tract cancers often causes a decrease in fertility, especially when it involves radiation directed at the ovaries or testicles. Certain cancer drugs may also lead to infertility. However, there are some steps a man or woman can take to improve their ability to reproduce after cancer treatment. For instance, semen and embryos created by IVF can be frozen before treatment and stored for later use. Researchers are also investing the possibility of freezing eggs and ovarian tissue in a similar fashion.

Reproductive tract cancers often have a lasting impact on an individual�s sexuality. The changes one experiences in this aspect of life can result from the cancer treatment itself or from the psychological aspects of the disease. Certain cancer drugs can cause a decrease in interest in sexual relations. Additionally, changes in one�s body � such as scars from surgery or alterations in sex organs � can make an individual feel uncomfortable with intimacy. Bringing these issues up with your clinician is important, as they may know of useful resources including medications, exercises and counseling. Talking to your partner about the changes you are experiencing can also help decrease shame or discomfort.