CANCER MORTALITY IN BRAZIL: TEMPORAL TRENDS, CHANGES IN DIAGNOSTIC PROFILE, AND REGIONAL DIFFERENCES, 2010–2024

Abstract

Objective: To analyze neoplasm mortality in Brazil according to temporal trends, diagnostic categories of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision (ICD-10), sociodemographic characteristics, place of occurrence, and regional differences from 2010 to 2024. Methods: This was a nationwide ecological time-series study using data from the Mortality Information System (SIM/DATASUS). Deaths classified in the ICD-10 neoplasm chapter (C00–D48) were included and grouped into three five-year periods: 2010–2014, 2015–2019, and 2020–2024. Sex, age group, race/skin color, education, marital status, place of occurrence, macro-region, and main diagnostic categories were analyzed using absolute and relative frequencies and percentage variation. Results: There were 953,873 deaths in 2010–2014, 1,110,039 in 2015–2019, and 1,228,995 in 2020–2024, representing a 28.84% increase. Malignant neoplasms of the bronchi and lungs remained the leading cause of death, followed by breast, prostate, stomach, colon, and pancreatic cancers. Increases were observed for pancreatic, colon, kidney, multiple myeloma, bladder, and breast cancers. Deaths increasingly concentrated among individuals aged 60 years or older, with greater female participation, proportional growth among Black and Brown populations, and fewer missing records. Regionally, the Southeast maintained the highest absolute burden, while the North, Midwest, and Northeast showed the greatest proportional increases. Conclusion: Neoplasm mortality increased markedly in Brazil, reflecting population aging, epidemiological transition, regional inequalities, and the need to strengthen prevention, screening, early diagnosis, oncology care, surveillance, equity, and health information.