Incidence of breast cancer by age range: an epidemiological analysis of Brazil between 2019 and 2023

Introduction: Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent forms of global cancer, being especially common among women. In 2015, the National Cancer Institute (INCA) published guidelines for early detection of breast cancer in Brazil. Besides that, the diagnosis still occurs in advanced stages and the mortality rates remain high. This raises questions regarding the limits imposed by the current protocol of the Ministry of Health, that advocates the start of screening for breast cancer only from the age of 50.

Objectives: Analyze the epidemiological aspects of the incidence of breast cancer incidence in Brazil between 2019 and 2023 and to question the effectiveness of the conventional age for screening.

Methodology: The study is a descriptive epidemiological analysis, using data from DATASUS (TABNET) between the years 2019 and 2023. The age group was used as a parameter to assess the incidence of breast cancer in Brazil.

Results: Between 2019 and 2023, 65,385 cases of breast cancer were reported in Brazil. The highest incidence was observed in the age groups of 50 to 54 years (13.5%), 55 to 59 (13.4%) and 60 to 64 (12.6%), with a gradual increase in cases from adolescence until the peak in the mentioned ages. A decrease in incidence was observed after the age of 65, but cases remain prevalent in older ages. In the age group of 45 to 49 years, 8,103 cases (12.3%) were recorded, a relevant incidence for an age group not included in the Ministry of Health’s screening protocol. There were also 6,605 cases (10.1%) in the age group of 40 to 44 years and 3,851 cases (5.8%) in the age group of 35 to 39 years.

Conclusion: The incidence of breast cancer in Brazil over the past five years has shown a significant increase among women under the age of 49, who are currently not included in the mandatory screening guidelines set by the Ministry of Health. This study observed a marked and relevant increase in the age group of 40 to 49 years, despite the predominance of cases among those aged 50 to 54, followed by a decrease in incidence in those over 65 years. In this context, it is reasonable to consider that early breast cancer screening, before the age recommended by the Ministry of Health, which starts at 50, would be beneficial for the Brazilian population. Including younger women in the screening protocol could improve early detection and treatment of the disease.

Corresponding author: Pamela Tabata Figueiredo Diniz (e-mail: pameladiniz1992@gmail.com).