MALIGNANT PROSTATE NEOPLASM: AN EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY IN SOUTHERN BRAZIL

Abstract

Prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality  in Brazil and imposes a significant burden on the public health system. This study aimed to describe the epidemiological profile of hospitalized patients who died from malignant neoplasm of the prostate (CID-10: C61) in Southern Brazil between 2013 and 2023, based on secondary data from the Brazilian Unified Health System’s Department of Informatics (DATASUS). This is a descriptive, retrospective, and quantitative study, analyzing variables such as age group, race/skin color, hospital mortality rate, and geographic distribution. A total of 49,358 hospitalizations and 5,282 deaths were recorded during the analyzed period, predominantly in individuals aged 60 years or older, particularly in the 70–79 age group. Most cases occurred among white patients, reflecting the demographic profile of the region, but there was also a significant burden of disease among Black and Brown populations. The overall hospital mortality rate was 10.7 deaths per 100 hospitalizations, with Santa Catarina presenting the highest rate among the three states. The total hospital expenditure exceeded R$ 102 million, evidencing the financial impact of the disease on the Unified Health System. The findings highlight the epidemiological relevance of prostate cancer in Southern Brazil and reinforce the need for public policies focused on prevention, early diagnosis, reducing racial and age-related disparities, and strengthening specialized care within the SUS.