Incidence of cancer in Brazil over the last 10 years by age group, sex, and region

Introduction: Cancer is one of the major malignant diseases that significantly impacts global public health and exhibits complex patterns of incidence and mortality. Over the past 10 years, cancer incidence in Brazil has shown significant variations influenced by age and sex. Therefore, it is crucial to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the data related to cancer incidence in Brazil.

Objective: To analyze and understand data related to cancer incidence in Brazil over a 10-year period, based on the data provided by DATASUS. The goal is to quantify, examine, and compare the variations according to age group, geographical region, and sex through epidemiological analysis.

Methodology: Data available from the DATASUS Tabnet from 2019 to 2023 were collected. The data selection criteria included those related to sex and age group available during the same period.

Results: From 2019 to 2023, 1.676.147 cases of breast cancer were recorded in Brazil. The highest incidence was observed in the age groups of 60 to 64 years (13.2%), 65 to 69 years (12.9%), and 55 to 59 years (11.7%), with a gradual increase in cases from adolescence to the highest rates in these age ranges. There was a decline in incidence after age 69, although cases remained prevalent in older ages. Notably, 315.908 cases (7.4%) were recorded between 45 and 49 years, 252.956 cases (5.9%) between 40 and 44 years, and 191.775 cases (4.5%) between 35 and 39 years — age groups not included in the mandatory screening by the Ministry of Health.

Conclusion: Over the past five years, there has been a significant increase in breast cancer cases among women under 49 in Brazil, an age group currently not covered by the mandatory screening by the Ministry of Health. The highest incidence occurs between 50 and 54 years, followed by a decrease in cases among those over 65. These data suggest that early screening, before age 50, could be beneficial for the population, allowing not only for detection but also for more effective interventions.

Corresponding author: Larissa Maria Moraes Rodrigues De Souza (e-mail: larissammoraesrsouza@gmail.com).