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Epidemiological Profile of Deaths in Women in Brazil Due to Colorectal Cancer From 2013 to 2022

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most frequent malignant neoplasm worldwide, originating in the colon, rectum, or parts of the large intestine. It is often diagnosed at advanced stages, contributing to a high mortality rate. In Brazil, according to the National Cancer Institute, the estimated incidence in women in 2020 was 20,470 cases. Thus, analyzing the mortality profile of this cancer in the female population of the country is essential. Objective To analyze the epidemiological profile of deaths due to CRC in women in Brazil from 2013 to 2022. Methodology This is an ecological, cross-sectional, quantitative, and descriptive study based on secondary data from the Department of Informatics of the Unified Health System (DATASUS) on deaths caused by colorectal cancer in women in Brazil from 2013 to 2022. The variables were analyzed using descriptive statistics and included deaths by region, age, race, education level, and marital status. Results and Discussion During the analyzed period, Brasil reported 96,033 deaths from CRC in women. The highest rates were recorded in 2022 (11,156 cases). Among the regions, the Southeast had the highest number of cases (52,155), while the North had the lowest (3,419), likely due to the Southeast’s predominantly female population. Regarding race, white women were the most affected, with 60,695 cases, and widowed women accounted for the majority (31,093 cases). The analysis of educational attainment revealed higher mortality among those with 1-3 years of schooling. In terms of age, individuals aged 80 years or older were the most affected (24,311 cases), which may be attributed to cellular aging, excessive exposure to mutagenic factors, and a decline in natural immunity. Conclusion The data analysis revealed that 2022 had the highest number of female deaths due to CRC, with prevalence in the Southeast region, among white, widowed women with low education levels. These findings are linked to higher exposure to risk factors and the greater number of reported cases in this population. Despite advancements in healthcare, high mortality rates from CRC persist. Thus, increased investment in health policies and actions aimed at reducing these rates is necessary. Publication History Article published online: 25 April 2025 © 2025. The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, permitting copying and reproduction so long as the original work is given appropriate credit (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Thieme Revinter Publicações Ltda. Rua do Matoso 170, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, CEP 20270-135, Brazil

Source: Journal of Coloproctology

DOI: 10.1055/s-0045-1808673