The Distribution and Evolution of Indicators of Hospital Morbidity and Mortality for Thyroid Cancer in Brazil

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine neoplasm, representing approximately 1% of all malignant tumors in western countries. It is three times more common in women than in men. AIMS: To analyze the changes in the rates of hospital morbidity and mortality from thyroid cancer in Brazil during the period from 2000 to 2012. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is an ecological study, with data from the Brazilian Health Information Systems. Data regarding hospital morbidity and mortality from thyroid cancer (CID 10 C73) were collected as well as variables such as schooling, ethnicity and age group. RESULTS: This study identified 39,191 hospitalizations for thyroid cancer and 6,914 deaths from the same cause in the period investigated, with the occurrence and deaths much higher in women. Furthermore, the number of cases is also greater in subjects with incomplete basic schooling, and among individuals aged between 40-49 years. DISCUSSION: The findings are supported by other studies, although some of the characteristics of the patients have never been evaluated previously. CONCLUSION: Over the 13 year period assessed, there was an increase in the rates of hospital morbidity and mortality from thyroid cancer for both men and women in Brazil. More research on this subject is needed as well as health policies to increase awareness of the population about thyroid cancer and improve access to health services.