Trend in Cervical Cancer Mortality in the City of Belém, Pará, Brazil

Results of Temporal Analysis from 2007 to 2022

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study is to analyze the trends in uterine cancer mortality in the city of Belém, in the state of Pará, in the Northern region, and Brazil as a whole. Method: For this purpose, data from 2007 and 2022, provided by the National Cancer Institute (INCA), were collected. Results: Different trends were observed in the four territorial contexts analyzed, including significant annual percentage variations. Notably, for example, the mortality rate in Belém, which had previously reached high levels (such as 12.900 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in 2008, a value 2.5 times higher than the national rate in the same year), is now declining, while the state average is increasing. It was identified that lethality due to clinical progression of cervical cancer primarily affects women aged 40 and older, with increasing rates in subsequent years. The findings suggest that the main causes of these rates vary according to access to exams and treatment in the most underserved regions of the country, even though many other factors may be related. Conclusion: Given the findings, it is recommended to further encourage uterine cancer screening in women over 50 years of age, as recommended by the Ministry of Health, since this age group is at increased risk for complications and deaths nationwide.