To describe the epidemiological profile of women with breast cancer, in Pernambuco, from 2009 to 2014

Abstract

Introduction: Breast cancer is a serious public health problem, due to its high incidence, morbidity, mortality and its high cost of treatment. It is the second most frequent type of cancer in Brazil and the world and the most frequent among women. It is perceived that its incidence is higher in developing countries. In Brazil, breast cancer mortality rates remain high because the disease is still diagnosed in advanced stages. Objective: To describe the epidemiological profile of women with breast cancer, in Pernambuco, from 2009 to 2014. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out based on the quantitative data from the public domain of the Ministry of Health, referring to the incidence of breast cancer from July 2009 to February 2014. Only Cases of malignant neoplasm in women, considering the following variables: race, schooling, age group and histopathological grade. Results and discussion: During the period considered for data collection, there were 2,281 cases of breast cancer in the Pernambuco Region, with an increasing trend over the years. Regarding the age group, the majority of women (17%) were older than 70 years at the time of diagnosis of malignant lesions, followed by women between 50 and 54 years (14%). Regarding education, 87% is ignored, followed by incomplete elementary education (6%). Brown women (26%) represent the largest part of the contingent diagnosed. Regarding the histological grade, 67% was invaluable, while grades II and III represent 31%. Conclusion: It is evident the need for continuity in investments in the development of comprehensive actions for the control of cancer, in the different levels of performance, as well as the continuity of feeding of the Information Systems, since it is knowing its epidemiological profile through the years that the actions May be better elaborated.