Dados do Resumo

Título

IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON THE FREQUENCY OF DIAGNOSES OF MALIGNANT NEOPLASMS OF THE BRONCHI AND LUNGS IN BRAZIL: AN EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS FROM 2018 TO 2023

Introdução

Malignant neoplasms of the bronchi and lungs are aggressive and prevalent types of cancer in Brazil, with high mortality rates. Diagnosis is often delayed, making effective treatment challenging. The most affected populations include the elderly and smokers. The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted oncology, delaying diagnoses and treatments, while imaging exams such as chest CT scans became common for assessing pulmonary complications of the virus.

Objetivo

This study aims to investigate whether the COVID-19 pandemic influenced the increase in diagnoses of malignant neoplasms of the bronchi and lungs in Brazil between 2018 and 2023, due to the greater use of imaging exams, comparing pre- and post-pandemic periods to identify possible changes in early detection.

Métodos

This retrospective epidemiological study uses data from the TABNET of DATASUS to analyze the incidence of malignant neoplasms of the bronchi and lungs (ICD-10 C34) in Brazil from 2018 to 2023. The sample will include patients diagnosed within the SUS, considering the variables: year of diagnosis, age group, sex, and Brazilian regions. Comparative analysis will be conducted between the pre-pandemic (2018-2019) and post-pandemic (2020-2023) periods. To strengthen credibility and minimize biases, the results will be interpreted in light of contemporary scientific studies exploring the relationship between increased use of imaging exams and early diagnosis of this type of neoplasm.

Resultados

In the pre-pandemic period, the number of diagnosed cases was 11,071 in 2018 and 13,213 in 2019. During the pandemic through 2023, a difference was observed compared to the previous period, with 12,708 cases in 2020, 13,335 cases in 2021, 13,709 cases in 2022, and 14,210 cases in 2023. The North, Northeast, and Southeast regions saw more diagnoses between 2021 and 2023 compared to the pre-pandemic period. In 2020, there was a general reduction in cases (12,708) compared to 2019 (13,213). Both sexes showed a decrease in 2020, but males predominated throughout the period, totaling 41,696 cases. Between 2021 and 2023, the number of cases in females increased, from 6,336 in 2021 to 6,957 in 2023, compared to 4,880 in 2018 and 5,974 in 2019. The most affected age group was 65 to 69 years, with a total of 15,166 cases, also being the most affected between 2021 and 2023, followed by the 60 to 64 years age group with 14,720 cases.

Conclusões

The study assessed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the diagnosis of malignant neoplasms of the bronchi and lungs in Brazil. An increase in diagnoses was observed in 2021, possibly associated with the increased use of imaging exams to evaluate respiratory complications. In 2020, there was a slight reduction in cases, suggesting a possible impact of the pandemic on access to diagnostics. These findings provide insights for improving strategies for early diagnosis and prevention.

Palavras Chave

Lung Neoplasms; Brazil; COVID-19