Dados do Resumo

Título

Epidemiological Analysis of Cancer Incidence in Children and Adolescents: Is Pediatric Cancer More Prevalent in Brazil?

Introdução

Pediatric cancer is the leading cause of disease-related death among individuals aged 0 to 19 years, with an estimated 400,000 new cases diagnosed annually worldwide. Incidence rates show significant geographical variation, reflecting socioeconomic, environmental, and genetic factors. Approximately 8 to 10% of all childhood cancer cases are attributable to hereditary predisposition, and this type of cancer appears to be more prevalent in Brazil compared to other countries.

Objetivo

To investigate the incidence of pediatric cancer in Brazil, analyzing proportions across states, regions, and other countries, with the aim of suggesting a higher prevalence of hereditary cancer predisposition within the Brazilian population, particularly among certain demographic groups.

Métodos

This study employed a descriptive approach, utilizing national and international epidemiological databases. Data for Brazil were retrieved from the Datasus platform, which provided information on cancer cases in the pediatric population (ages 0-19) and the total population across various Brazilian states and regions. International data were obtained from the following official databases: SEER (USA), Cancer Research UK (United Kingdom), Ganjoho (Japan), AIHW (Australia), and NCR (South Africa). Comparative analysis focused on the proportion of pediatric cancer cases relative to total cancer cases in each country. Frequencies were calculated as percentages, allowing for comparisons across different Brazilian regions and the selected countries. The most recent data available for a one-year period were analyzed in both absolute and relative terms.

Resultados

Comparative analysis revealed substantial differences in the proportion of pediatric cancer cases among countries. Using total cancer cases as reference, Brazil exhibited the highest proportion of cases in individuals under 20 years old (2.51%), while Japan had the lowest (0.31%). The UK (0.64%), Australia (0.75%), the USA (1%), and South Africa (1.37%) also presented lower rates. Within Brazil, the highest incidence was observed in the Northern region (5.5%), followed by the Central-West (2.89%) and the Northeast (2.82%). The Southeast (2.03%) and the South (2.43%) had more moderate proportions. Among the states, Pará had the highest proportion (7.57%), followed by Roraima (6.9%) and Amapá (4.7%), indicating a higher burden of pediatric cancer in the Northern region. In contrast, Southeastern states like Espírito Santo (1.36%) and Minas Gerais (1.82%) had the lowest proportions.

Conclusões

Despite socioeconomic, environmental, and healthcare differences, data suggest a higher prevalence of hereditary cancer predisposition syndromes in Brazil, particularly in the Northern region, where the incidence of pediatric cancer is notably higher. This increased concentration in states with a larger proportion of Indigenous and mixed-race populations raises the hypothesis of a possible genetic correlation. Further population-based genetic studies are required to validate it.

Palavras Chave

Epidemiology; Pediatric Cancer; Hereditary Cancer