PROSTATE NEOPLASIA IN BRAZILIAN ADULTS AND ELDERLY FROM 2019 TO 2023

Abstract

Prostate cancer is the second most common malignancy in men, behind only non-melanoma skin cancer. In Brazil and developed countries, an increase of more than 600,000 cases was observed between 2018 and 2019. The disease is generally asymptomatic or presents with nonspecific signs, such as dysuria, which delays diagnosis. Warning symptoms include nocturia, strangury, urinary retention, and, in severe cases, sepsis and kidney injury. The implementation of effective screening programs, such as digital rectal examination and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, is essential, especially in men with risk factors such as obesity, advanced age, and family history. This study aimed to analyze the incidence of hospitalizations, deaths, and hospital costs related to prostate cancer in Brazil between 2019 and 2023, using data from the Hospital Information System of the SUS. During the analyzed period, there were 168,249 hospitalizations and 15,972 deaths, with a total cost of R$391,491,768.56. Hospitalizations decreased in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the numbers increased again in subsequent years. The highest rates of hospitalization and death occurred among men aged 60 to 79 years. The analysis shows a significant impact on public health, highlighting the need for effective screening and early diagnosis policies to reduce mortality and associated costs.