TIME TREND OF LUNG CANCER MORTALITY IN THE STATE OF PARANÁ, 2016 TO 2021: AN ANALYSIS OF DATA FROM DATASUS

Abstract

Lung cancer stands out as the most relevant tumor worldwide in terms of both mortality and incidence. In Brazil, studies have demonstrated an increase in mortality rates among both males and females. Analyzing the temporal evolution of mortality is a crucial tool for disease monitoring. Such analysis aids in understanding its social impacts, the planning of preventive measures, and provides insights for policy and medical decisions. Objective: To describe the mortality trend of lung cancer in the state of Paraná, Brazil, and determine the influence of age and time period on these rates. Methods: Descriptive epidemiological study of time series data. Data were obtained from the mortality information system of the Department of Health Informatics of the Unified Health System. Hospital deaths registered under ICD-10 code C34, corresponding to malignant neoplasms of the bronchi and lungs, were included. Results: The numbers of patients hospitalized and deaths related to malignant lung neoplasms have been increasing from 2016 to 2021, with the highest numbers observed in the Eastern Health Macroregion of Paraná. Both sexes have shown an upward trend throughout the state, with a slight male predominance. Discussion: Among the various risk factors for lung cancer, the prevalence of smoking is the primary hypothesis for explaining the rising mortality rate among both women and men. Conclusions: Lung cancer mortality rates are on the rise throughout the state of Paraná. The number of female cases is trending toward stability with a slight reduction, while the male gender is trending upward. The Eastern and Northern macroregions have shown high mortality rates and the most significant increase during the analyzed period.