10-YEAR ANALYSIS OF BREAST CANCER IN A HOSPITAL IN SOUTHERN BRAZIL

Introduction: the International Agency for Research on Cancer states that the world’s incidence of malignant neoplasms increased 20% in the last decade, with breast cancer being the most commonly diagnosed in women worldwide. Although its etiology is influenced by genetic components, environmental risk factors prevail, making it possible to affirm that the key to reducing the rates of breast cancer lies in prevention. The act of actively preventing a disease depends on the knowledge built around its profiles and patterns. Objective: to determine the profile of patients affected by breast cancer in a specific institution, allowing a better view of the disease’s current panorama. Methods: descriptive and retrospective study, carried out at a Brazilian cancer institute located on a Rio Grande do Su’s inland city, based on the data collected and stored in the institution’s Hospital Cancer Registry over 10 years (2010 – 2019). The epidemiological variables of the profiles went through prevalence calculation. This study respects the ethical precepts of Resolution n° 466/2012 of the National Health Council and is approved by the Research Ethics Committee by the n° 311.052. Results: over the decade, 864 patients with breast cancer were attended in the institution, corresponding to 18.8% of the total. The new cases of this cancer were distributed evenly over the years, and breast cancer was often in first place, with exception from some occasions in which prostate cancer was more prevalent. However, in analysis focused on the female sex, it has always kept the lead. In the sample, female (99.4%), white (90.9%), married (56%) and low educational level individuals (29.4 %) prevail, and while the majority of women (60.7%) had their diagnosis before the age of 60, 100% of men were diagnosed after this age. Positive family cancer history, non-specific for breast cancer, was observed in 39.1% of women and 40% of men. Smoking was present in 43.2% of females and 40% of males and alcohol consumption in 44.4% of females and 20% in males. Conclusion: the determination of patient’s profiles provides essential information to change the current scenario of breast cancer in the region through the elaboration of public health policies and preventive programs aimed at a specific portion of the population. The study also contributes to health planning and management by providing information that can help the establishment of breast cancer control strategies