. The rates of overall cancer mortality and major types were corrected by proportionally redistributing 50% of ill-defi ned causes of death and standardizing them by age according to the standard world population. Trend curves for Brazil and its major regions were calculated for state capitals and other municipalities according to sex, and were evaluated by means of simple linear regression. RESULTS:Among men, ascending mortality rates were observed for lung, prostate and colorectal cancer; declining rates for stomach cancer; and stable rates for esophagus cancer. Among women, mortality from breast, lung and colorectal cancer increased, and the rates for cervical and stomach cancer declined. Mortality evolution varied across the regions of Brazil, with distinct patterns between state capitals and other municipalities. CONCLUSIONS:The correction of mortality rates based on redistribution of ill-defi ned causes of death increased the magnitude of the overall cancer mortality in Brazil by approximately 10% in 1980 and 5% in 2006. In the inland municipalities no decrease or stability was identifi ed, differently from what was observed in the state capitals. Limited scope of prevention actions and lower access to services of cancer diagnosis and treatment for the population living away from large urban centers may partly explain these differences.

Abstract

These findings suggest that women at increased risk for cervical cancer be screened for HPV at the time of cervical screening, particularly in areas where access to health services is difficult. Antismoking strategies especially targeting young women should be a priority in a comprehensive women's health care program.