Here we report the main results of the first survival study based on the combined data from the cancer registries of the Francim network. Survival data for 205,562 cases registered between 1989 and 1997 were analyzed. The age-standardized five-year relative survival rates were as follows: 84% for breast cancer, 77% for prostate cancer, and, in men and women respectively, 55% and 57% for colorectal cancer, and 12% and 16% for lung cancer. The prognosis was often better in women. For certain cancers, more recent cases had a better prognosis (particularly breast, prostate, and thyroid). Advanced age at diagnosis was associated with higher excess mortality than that observed in younger patients. However, this effect was often observed during the first year following diagnosis and much less so thereafter. (R.A.)