Final answer:
The FIGO staging system for ovarian cancer classifies the severity based on tumor size and spread, with 5-year survival rates decreasing from Stage I to Stage IV, demonstrating the importance of early detection.
Step-by-step explanation:
Staging is a critical aspect of understanding and treating cancer, as it involves classifying cancer based on the size of the tumor and the extent to which the cancer has spread. The FIGO staging system is one such method used specifically for ovarian cancer. It helps to determine the prognosis and the most appropriate treatment plans for patients. According to the FIGO staging system, the 5-year survival rates for ovarian cancer differ according to the stages:
- Stage I - A high survival rate of 90%, indicating that the cancer is localized to the ovaries.
- Stage II - A survival rate of 70%, meaning that the cancer has spread to nearby pelvic structures.
- Stage III - A survival rate of 30%, which suggests cancer has spread to the abdominal lining or lymph nodes.
- Stage IV - A low survival rate of 10%, where the cancer has spread to distant organs.
These figures illustrate that the earlier the cancer is detected and treated, the better the prognosis for the patient.