Dados do Resumo

Título

An Epidemiological Study of Patients with Malignant Skin Neoplasms in the Southeastern Region of Brazil

Introdução

Malignant neoplasia of the skin occurs when there is an uncontrolled growth of skin cells and is the most common cancer in Brazil. This condition tends to manifest itself in spots and/or moles that grow, raised lesions, sores that don't heal and patches of different colors. Due to its importance and prevalence, epidemiology has become an ally in understanding the patterns of the most affected variables.

Objetivo

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the epidemiological profile of patients affected by malignant skin neoplasms in the Southeast region between 2019 and 2023.

Métodos

This is a descriptive, cross-sectional epidemiological study that analyzed the epidemiological profile of patients affected by malignant skin neoplasms in the Southeast Region of Brazil between 2019 and 2023. Data on hospitalizations and deaths were obtained from the Department of Informatics of the Unified Health System (DATASUS) using the following variables: year of care, age group, gender and color/race.

Resultados

Between 2019 and 2023, the Southeast region of Brazil recorded a total of 15247 hospitalizations due to malignant neoplasms of skin, with 1371 deaths in the same period. The number of hospitalizations and deaths peaked in 2023, with 3424 hospitalizations and 310 deaths. The state of São Paulo concentrated approximately 60.6% of deaths and 54% of hospitalizations in the region, standing out with the highest numbers. The analysis by race/color revealed a prevalence of white race/color, representing 67% of deaths and 67.9% of hospitalizations. In terms of age group, the 60 to 69 age group is the most affected, with 26% of hospitalizations and 27.7% of deaths occurring in this age group. However, the state of Rio de Janeiro has a higher prevalence in the 70-79 age group, both for deaths and hospitalizations. With regard to gender, there was a male predominance, with 50.6% of hospitalizations and 57% of deaths occurring among men, although the percentage difference is not very significant.

Conclusões

Malignant skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in Brazil. This condition tends to occur in different populations, but is more prevalent among the white and elderly population. The data obtained from epidemiology can guide public policies, improving the application of resources and interventions for target populations, with the aim of optimizing our treatment methodology. Further analysis will be needed to adapt interventions in the long term.

Palavras Chave

Epidemiology; Skin cancer; Cancer Prevention