Cases Of Cancer In Brazil Research Articles

Progression of non-melanoma skin cancer cases in Brazil

Introduction: Skin cancer is a pathology of multifactorial etiology. BCC and SCC are often referred to as non-melanoma skin câncer and they are a health problem in Brazil due to their high incidence. Objective: Analyze the prevalence and progression of non-melanoma skin cancer, in Brazil, in a period between 2015 and 2020. Methods: It corresponds to a quantitative epidemiological study. Results: Meaningfully, compared to the year of 2015, 2020 had an increase of, approximately 1.800%. Conclusions: There has been a significant increase in the number of diagnoses of the disease in recent years, especially in the last 3 years, corroborating current studies about the country's concern with the advancing number of cases of BCC and SCC.

Gastric cancer cases in Brazil: Clinical-environment profile, prevalence and associated factors to treatment treatment

Gastric cancer cases in Brazil: Clinical-environment profile, prevalence and associated factors to treatment treatment

Glyphosate - A Silent, Slow Killer?

Madam, Glyphosate, commercially known as Round Up, is one of the most widely used herbicides and pesticides worldwide. As a synthetic organophosphate compound, it comes in a crystalline, odourless and colourless form. Most of the human exposure to this compound occurs during the process of its manufacturing, formulation and transport. Further exposure may come from the inhaling toxic fumes of nitrogen gas and phosphorus oxides produced when this pesticide undergoes decomposition, when farmers and gardeners use it on their crops, and when individuals come in contact with products containing it as the active ingredient (1). As of right now, there is a multitude of studies that link glyphosate to several morbidities. When a combined 9229 cases of farmers from North America, the European Union and Australia were assessed, glyphosate was directly linked to an increase in the onset of follicular lymphoma (2). It was also associated with allergic and non-allergic wheezing among farm women in the Agricultural Health Study (2005-2010), which focused on farmers in Iowa and North Carolina (3). Additionally, when tested on mice, exposure to glyphosate was found to increase TNFa in the brain and plasma, and the levels of soluble Amyloid Beta in the brain, suggesting a detrimental role to general health. Furthermore, glyphosate was one of the 11 pesticides studied and then found to have a direct correlation with the increase in overall cancer cases in Brazil. (5) Taking into consideration the aforementioned facts, it is vital to regulate the exposure of individuals to glyphosate to reduce the rising rate of morbidities. More guidelines and policies should be formulated to protect the health of individuals involved in glyphosate manufacturing, due to their exposure risk high. Pesticide leching into water sources should also be prevented to ensure that the general population does not end up consume them indirectly.

Prioritising locations for radiotherapy equipment in Brazil: a cross-sectional, population-based study and development of a LINAC shortage index.

Similarly to several other upper-middle-income countries, there is a major shortfall in radiotherapy services for the treatment of cancer in Brazil. In this study, we developed the linear accelerator (LINAC) shortage index to assess the LINAC shortage and support the prioritisation of new LINAC distribution in Brazil. This cross-sectional, population-based study used data from the National Cancer Institute 2020 Cancer estimates, the Ministry of Health 2019 radiotherapy census, the Minister of Health radiotherapy expansion programme progress reports, and the Fundação Oncocentro de São Paulo public database of the Cancer Hospital Registry of the State of São Paulo to calculate the LINAC shortage index. Data collected were number of new cancer cases in Brazil, number of LINACs per region and state, number of cancer cases treated with radiotherapy, patient state of residence, and radiotherapy treatment centre and location. National, regional, and state-level data were collected for analysis. LINAC numbers, cancer incidence, geographical distribution, and radiotherapy needs were estimated. A LINAC shortage index was calculated as a relative measure of LINAC demand compared with supply based on number of new cancer cases, number of patients requiring radiotherapy, and the number of LINCAS in the region or state. We then built a prioritisation framework using the LINAC shortage index, cancer incidence, and geographical factors. Finally, using patient-level public cancer registry data from the Fundação Oncocentro de São Paulo and Google maps, we estimated the geospatial distance travelled by patients with cancer from their state of residence to radiotherapy treatment in São Paulo from 2005-14. Non-parametric statistics were used for analysis. Data were collected between Feb 2 and Dec 31, 2021. In 2020, there were 625 370 new cancer cases in Brazil and 252 LINAC machines. The number of LINACs was inadequate in all Brazilian regions, with a national LINAC shortage index of 221 (ie, 121% less than the required radiotherapy capacity). The LINAC shortage index was higher in the midwest (326), north (313), and northeast (237) regions, than the southeast (210) and south (192) regions. Four states (Tocantins, Acre, Amapá, and Roraima) in the north region were ranked first on the prioritisation rank due to no availability of LINACs. There was an association between LINAC shortage index and the number of patients who travelled to receive radiotherapy (p<0·0001). Patients living in the midwest (793 km), north (2835 km), and northeast (2415 km) regions travelled significantly longer average distances to receive radiotherapy treatment in São Paulo than patients living in the southeast or south regions (p=0·032). The reduced number of LINACs in these regions was associated with longer distance travelled (p=0·032). There is substantial discordance between distribution of cancer cases and LINAC availability in Brazil. We developed a tool using the LINACs shortage index to help prioritise the development of radiotherapy infrastructure across Brazil; this approach might also be useful in other health systems. None.

Comparison of spectra and mean glandular dose (MGD) with tube voltage used in digital mammography for simulated, metrological and clinical cases

Mammography has a crucial role in breast cancer detection. The National Cancer Institute (INCA) estimates that 29.7% of the cancer cases in Brazil are related specifically to the breast. It is necessary to evaluate the mean glandular dose with a new solid-state detector in a digital radiography system, utilizing PMMA phantoms and spacers for different thicknesses. The Selenia Dimensions (Hologic, Bedford) direct radiography (DR) system can perform full-field digital mammographies through digital detectors. This system uses new technologies, such as the digital breast tomosynthesis system (DBT), and employs a sequence of projections acquired over the breast, resulting in images with low contrast. The estimation of breast dose is an important part of mammographic quality control for x-ray mammography. Nevertheless, there are currently no standard protocols for the dosimetry of breast imaging in 3D. Additionally, a x-ray spectra function is crucial to measure a considerable output in x-ray spectrometry. The purpose of this work was to assess the mean glandular dose (MGD) and the spectra in slabs of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and breast equivalent thickness through digital mammography using four experiments: a Hologic Selenia Dimensions mammograph with a solid-state detector; a spectrometer (only for the spectra, in this case); a clinical COMET x-ray tube with a solid-state detector; and the MCNPX code. References recommend that the real environments that work well with digital mammography are in the following tube voltages: 25 kVp; 26 kVp; 28 kVp; 31 kVp and 33 kVp. Taking into account several thicknesses of PMMA, the results of both the MGD in metrological, clinical and simulated cases were in accordance with the references, from 30 mm of PMMA. All the spectra for all cases have indicated good agreement with the references.

Cancer diagnosis in Brazil in the COVID-19 era

The comprehensive care and treatment for cancer patients in Brazil, regulated by the National Cancer Prevention and Control Policy, is provided by Brazilian Unified Healthcare System (SUS) in certified health institution. Due the COVID-19 pandemic, several restrictive measures have been implemented by the State federation's governments, and cancer diagnosis reference centers were also impacted by these measures. Thus, this study aimed to compare SUS-oriented cancer diagnosis in Brazil before and during the pandemic so far. The average number of cancer diagnoses has dropped considerably in all Brazilian Regions since the pandemic period started. The number of new cancer cases has plunged in all regions, ranged from −24.3% in the North to −42.7% in Northeast region. The overall Brazilian average deficit reached 35.5%, corresponding to about 15,000 undiagnosed cases of cancer monthly. The pandemic period has dramatically reduced the diagnosis of new cases of cancer in Brazil, since consultations in public health services were compromised by restrictive measures. Therefore, effective measures must be urgently put in action in order to minimize the damage, and consequently, the negative health impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in the care of cancer patients.

Confirmed cases of cervical cancer in Brazil between 2010 and 2014

The Pap smear (PCCU) is a gynecological examination performed in women in order to detect damage to the cervix. Changes can be observed as a tissue disorder that makes up it. The objective of this work is to show confirmed cases of cervical cancer in Brazil between 2010 and 2014. The research was conducted with data taken from DATASUS (http://datasus.saude.gov.br). When there is good performance to prevent a disease considered serious, the result is satisfactory and effective. Through the results obtained by analyzing the data between the years 2010 and 2014, respectively, it is concluded that over the years the search for the test gradually increased, but some aspects persisted, such as the shame of performing the pcc test, fear, pain, among others. However, the results showed a high rate of tests in the southeast region and a lower rate in the north, with low dissemination and little awareness for women in the northern region. Therefore, the dissemination, awareness and performance of the cytopathological examination is very important for the prevention of cervical cancer, which today is the leading cause of mortality among Brazilian women

Trend of hospitalized cases of oral cancer in Brazil and its relationship with oral health coverage in public health system between 2009 and 2017.

Background This study aimed to analyze the trend in the number of hospitalized cases of oral cancer in Brazil, according to the coverage of oral health services in public health system, and also investigate the influence of healthcare and clinical characteristics on the severity of oral cancer cases. Material and Methods This retrospective study considered the period between 2009 and 2017. Data from the Hospital Registry of Cancer from the National Cancer Institute were used, considering the primary locations C00 to C06. Detailed information including sex, age, alcohol and tobacco use, year of first consultation, and the clinical stage of the cases were also collected. The frequency of hospitalized cases was correlated with the coverage of Primary Care Oral Health Teams (ESB) and the number of Dental Specialty Centers (CEO). It was also estimated the chance of advanced oral cancer cases, according to healthcare and clinical characteristics. Data were analyzed using Tweedie's multiple regression and multiple binary logistic regression (α<0.05). Results There was an increasing trend in the number of hospitalized cases of oral cancer in Brazil between 2009 and 2017 (B=0.043, p<0.001, PR=1.044). The increase in ESB coverage was associated with small increase in the number of hospitalized cases of oral cancer (B=0.001, p=0.003, PR=1.001). The increase in the number of CEO was associated with decrease in the number of hospitalized cases of oral cancer (B=-0.085, p<0.001, PR =0.918). The increase of ESB (OR=0.998) and CEO (OR=0.974) contributed for reducing the number of stage IV cases, whilst the history of alcohol and tobacco use (OR=1.574) was associated with an increase in the number of stage IV cases. Conclusions Although an increasing trend was detected, the expansion of the public health system reduced the number of hospitalized cases and the frequency of advanced oral cancer cases in Brazil. Key words:Mouth neoplasms, squamous cell carcinoma, oral diagnosis.

Level of human development is associated with cervical cancer stage at diagnosis

The objective was to describe the cervical cancer cases in Brazil by the age-group and stage at diagnosis, and to associate them with the human development index (HDI), where the women live. This was a retrospective study that used data from the Brazilian hospital-based cancer registry from 2005 to 2014. The data were accessed by 5-year age/groups and the federal units. The association between the proportion of cases at Stage I and HDI was estimated in an adjusted linear regression analysis. Among the staged cases, the proportions of cases diagnosed at FIGO Stage I, II, III and IV were 21.2%, 30.7%, 39.9% and 8.2%, respectively. The cases were diagnosed mostly in women aged 45–49 years. There was a significant increase in the proportion of Stage I cases with an increasing HDI (coefficient, 0.46; 95% confidence interval, 0.17–0.76). In conclusion, most of the cases were diagnosed at late stages. The stage at the diagnosis was associated with the human development level.Impact StatementWhat is already known on this subject? The stage at diagnosis varies according to the level of organisation of the cancer control programme. It is expected that in well-developed programmes there will be a shift to an early stage diagnosis.What the results of this study add? The stage at a diagnosis was associated with the human development level where the women live in Brazil, where most cases were diagnosed at the late stages.What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? This analysis can help with better planning strategies for cancer control. Regional strategies would improve the efficiency of cancer care interventions in countries with large socioeconomic disparities.

Cancer cases attributable to alcohol consumption in Brazil.

This is the first study specifically estimating the proportion of new cancer cases that could be attributable to alcohol consumption in the year 2012 in Brazil. The proportion of exposed cases and the association between alcohol and lip and oral cavity, nasopharynx, other pharynx, larynx, esophagus, colorectum, female breast, liver, and intrahepatic bile ducts cancers was based on data made available by the Integrator System of Hospital Cancer Registries. The cancer incidence was obtained from the estimates produced by GLOBOCAN. In 2012 there were 437,592 new cancer cases in Brazil, excluding non-melanoma skin cancers. Of these, alcohol consumption was responsible for 4.8% of all new cases. The alcohol-attributable fraction was higher for men (7.0%) than for women (2.6%). A total of 21,000 new cancer cases, 15,554 in men and 5,646 in women, could be attributable to alcohol consumption. In Brazil, a significant fraction of cancer cases can be attributed to alcohol consumption, and public health measures to prevent heavy alcohol use should be implemented.

Epidemiological changes in the histological subtypes of 35,018 non-small-cell lung cancer cases in Brazil

ObjectivesRegarding the fatality rates stemming from various existing forms of cancers worldwide, lung cancer (LC) is ranked as the main cause of death amongst those who suffer from cancer. Although the epidemiological, clinical, and histological profile of patients with this type of cancer is largely unknown, Brazil has made tremendous efforts to generate data for supporting healthcare policies concerning lung cancer. Taking these factors into account, this study aims to analyse the epidemiological, clinical, and histological profiles of patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in Brazil. Material and methodsFor this study, a cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted to nationally analyse patient’s data within the cancer hospital registries found in the National Cancer Institute (INCA) and the São Paulo Cancer Foundation (FOSP) between 2000 and 2011. ResultsA total of 35,018 patients diagnosed with NSCLC in Brazil between 2000 and 2011 were analysed. The analysis demonstrated the occurrence of an epidemiological shift, related to the most prevalent histological type of NSCLC in the study population from 2003. The shift resulted in a higher percentage of adenocarcinoma (43.3%) over squamous cell carcinoma (36.5%). Additionally, there was a significant increase in both the number of cases of LC in women and in the rates of patients diagnosed with metastatic disease. ConclusionThe use of filtered cigarettes since the 60’s and the increase in the number of LC cases in women, were one of the causes for the switch in the histological profile of NSCLC in Brazil. Consequently, adenocarcinoma is now the predominant type of cancer detected. Late diagnosis is a hallmark sign.

Abstract P5-09-12: The importance of education for adherence to mammographic screening in the Brazilian public health services

Abstract Introduction: A third of the registration of new cases of breast cancer in Brazil corresponds to locally advanced or late diagnosed disease. The benefits of screening in this sense become evident and measurable in terms of their temporal extent and adherence of the target population to its recommendations. Unlike the organized mammographic screening where there is call, breast health education, monitoring and enforcement of the intervals between examinations, in the opportunistic model, individuals are subject to the recommendations from the spontaneous demand by health services. Objective: To determine the influence of education in breast cancer for adherence to mammographic screening in brazilian public health services. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, descriptive and comparative study between two groups of women with (group A, n=136) and without (group B, n=128) knowledge about breast cancer, who appeared in the Center of Detection, Diagnosis and Monitoring (CDDM) for organized screening. For this were interviewed 264 women in relation to the realization of previous mammograms in the last three years. The repetition of examinations, respecting the range of 24 months was defined as criteria to classify participants in adherent or not to screening. Results: Both groups of women had a similar mean age (50.2 ± 9.2 and 49.5 ± 9.5 years; p&amp;gt;0.05). Of the respondents, 77.2% (n=204) reported mammographic screening before joining the CDDS, however highest proportion was registered in group A (64.8%). Sixty women denied conducting prior mammography with predominance in the Group B (93.4% vs 6.6%, p&amp;lt;0.05). One hundred forty-four women were adherent to screening, 90.2% (n=130) of these belonged to group A. The remaining variables (education, occupation, family income, distance between place of residence and mammography center and personal / family history of breast cancer) were not associated with adherence to screening (p&amp;gt;0.05). Conclusion: The decrease in the adherence to conducting periodic mammography observed in group B reflects the opportunistic character of the screening in the country, where it loses the chance to sensitize women through education to improve their effective adhesion. Acknowledgements to the Brazilian Ministry of Health for their support to the study. Citation Format: Blanco EC, Ribeiro IM, Nascimento CCP, da Silva CA, Abrah㯀 CF, Borges MM. The importance of education for adherence to mammographic screening in the Brazilian public health services. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-09-12.

Topical MAL-PDT for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia treatment: a non-surgical option to prevent a cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer death in womenworldwide. The highest incidence rates are in Africa, as well as South-Central Asia and South America. According to the National Institute of Cancer (INCA) at the last year, it was estimated 15,590 new cases of cervical cancer in Brazil. About 90% of cervical cancers originate in the evolution of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) which is classified on the basis of cyto-histological characteristics (low and high grade lesions). The equipment (CerCa 150 System, MMOptics Ltda., Trubios LLC, Brazil-USA) and the medication (20% MAL cream, PDTPharma, Brazil) are produced in Brazil with relative low cost. The Photodynamic Therapy is a promising procedure and it is even known as safe to normal tissue. The device includes two components specifically adapted to detect and treat abnormal cervical tissue, enabling proper lighting of the cervix. It is portable and does not require special infrastructure or installation. More than 60 patients between the ages of 14-57 years and with CIN 1 were treated and presented 100% of cure. Based on these results a larger randomized study with patients with CIN 2, placebo and follow-up only is ongoing.

Tyms double (2R) and triple repeat (3R) confers risk for human oral squamous cell carcinoma.

The oral cancer is responsible for approximately 3 % of cases of cancer in Brazil. Epidemiological studies have associated low folate intake with an increased risk of epithelial cancers, including oral cancer. Folic acid has a key role in DNA synthesis, repair, methylation and this is the basis of explanations for a putative role for folic acid in cancer prevention. The role of folic acid in carcinogenesis may be modulated by polymorphism C677T in MTHFR and tandem repeats 2R/3R in the promoter site of TYMS gene that are related to decreased enzymatic activity and quantity and availability of the enzyme, respectively. These events cause a decrease in the synthesis, repair and DNA methylation, which can lead to a disruption in the expression of tumor suppressor genes as TP53. The objective of this study was investigate the distribution of polymorphisms C677T and tandem repeats 2R/3R associated with the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). 53 paraffin-embedded samples from patients who underwent surgery but are no longer at the institution and 43 samples collected by method of oral exfoliation by cytobrush were selected. 132 healthy subjects were selected by specialists at the dental clinics of the Faculdade de Odontologia de Pernambuco-FOP. The MTHFR genotyping was performed by PCR-RFLP, and the TYMS genotyping was performed by conventional PCR. Fisher's Exact test at significant level of 5 %. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were used to measure the strength of association between genotype frequency and OSCC development. The results were statistically significant for the tandem repeats of the TYMS gene (p = 0.015). The TYMS 2R3R genotype was significantly associated with the development of OSCC (OR = 3.582; 95 % CI 1.240-10.348; p = 0.0262) and also the genotype 3R3R (OR = 3.553; 95 % CI 1.293-9.760; p = 0.0345). When analyzed together, the TYMS 2R3R + 3R3R genotypes also showed association (OR = 3.518; 95 % CI 11.188-10.348; p = 0.0177). No differences for the MTHFR C677T polymorphisms distribution were found between the oral cancer patients and controls subjects in our study (p = 0.499). Therefore, these data suggest that determination of TYMS tandem repeats could provide information on the comprehension of the risk factors and prevention of the OSCC.

Human papillomavirus genotypes distribution in 175 invasive cervical cancer cases from Brazil

BackgroundInvasive cervical cancer is the second most common malignant tumor affecting Brazilian women. Knowledge on Human Papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes in invasive cervical cancer cases is crucial to guide the introduction and further evaluate the impact of new preventive strategies based on HPV. We aimed to provide updated comprehensive data about the HPV types’ distribution in patients with invasive cervical cancer.MethodsFresh tumor tissue samples of histologically confirmed invasive cervical cancer were collected from 175 women attending two cancer reference hospitals from São Paulo State: ICESP and Hospital de Câncer de Barretos. HPV detection and genotyping were performed by the Linear Array HPV Genotyping Test (Roche Molecular Diagnostics, Pleasanton,USA).Results170 out of 172 valid samples (99%) were HPV DNA positive. The most frequent types were HPV16 (77.6%), HPV18 (12.3%), HPV31 (8.8%), HPV33 (7.1%) and HPV35 (5.9%). Most infections (75%) were caused by individual HPV types. Women with adenocarcinoma were not younger than those with squamous cell carcinoma, as well, as women infected with HPV33 were older than those infected by other HPV types. Some differences between results obtained in the two hospitals were observed: higher overall prevalence of HPV16, absence of single infection by HPV31 and HPV45 was verified in HC-Barretos in comparison to ICESP patients.ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this is one of the largest studies made with fresh tumor tissues of invasive cervical cancer cases in Brazil. This study depicted a distinct HPV genotype distribution between two centers that may reflect the local epidemiology of HPV transmission among these populations. Due to the impact of these findings on cervical cancer preventive strategies, extension of this investigation to routine screening populations is warranted.

Tratamento cirúrgico do câncer colorretal: série histórica de três anos de um serviço em Salvador, Bahia

O reduzido número de registro de câncer colorretal no Brasil tem demonstrado a dificuldade para o conhecimento da epidemiologia dessa patologia, levando a um mau planejamento dos governos para o diagnóstico precoce. O objetivo desse trabalho foi relatar a casuística de um serviço, em Salvador (BA), durante um período de três anos e compará-la com a literatura nacional. Os dados obtidos foram analisados, sendo observada semelhança com a literatura brasileira. Ocorreu maior incidência dessa neoplasia entre indivíduos do sexo feminino (53,7%), com média de idade de 57 anos ao diagnóstico. Nota-se estádio III em 40,4% dos pacientes, sendo a retossigmoidectomia a cirurgia mais realizada (54%). Este estudo demonstrou um conhecimento epidemiológico da poplação baiana, na qual foi observado um atraso do diagnóstico da doença, bem como a necessidade de investimentos na descoberta precoce.

Patients with cancer: cognitions and emotions coming from diagnosis

Considering the increasing number of new cases of cancer in Brazil, and the fact that diagnosis is considered critical, the present study has the objective of investigating patient’s thoughts and feelings at the diagnosis moment. Ten patients with cancer, treated in a support house in the city of Joao Pessoa – PB, participated of these studies. The data was collected through semi-structured interviews composed of two questions and by the introduction of photographs that indicate emotions, with the goal of identifying feelings experienced by the patients at the diagnosis moment. These interviews were done individually after previous authorization from the patients. The results indicate that the diagnosis moment is lived in a disturbing way as it evokes thoughts about death and provokes emotional reactions that can interfere with the welfare of patients. From these results it is possible to notice the importance of psychological interventions, mainly, in the diagnosis moment and during the treatment of the disease, as a way of reducing negative reactions coming from the diagnosis.

An Overview of the Ultraviolet Index and the Skin Cancer Cases in Brazil¶

This study relates regional and seasonal UV index (UVI) variations, number of skin cancer cases and population skin-color distribution in Brazil. UVI calculations were performed using the UV Global Atmospheric Model (UVGAME), whose characteristics and validations are provided in this article. Health and racial data sets are based on the health and census data collected by Brazilian governmental agencies in the past. The discussion covers cultural customs and details of health and educational campaigns in Brazil. Despite lower UV levels in the South and Southeast regions, the results show a larger number of nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) cases in these regions, where the white population is predominant. In general, in the southern regions about 50 new NMSC cases per 100000 inhabitants have been diagnosed each year. These rates decrease almost 40% in the Central–North regions and more than 80% in Northeast region, where miscegenation is common. In addition, the UVI evaluation is extended to other South American sites with singular characteristics, e.g. populous cities located in high altitudes or those affected by the Antarctic ozone hole in the extreme south of the continent.

Brazilian natural dietary components (annatto, propolis and mushrooms) protecting against mutation and cancer

Considering the high number of new cancer cases in Brazil (approximately 470000 cases in 2005) and the remarkable differences in the incidence of this disease around the world, the development of chemopreventive strategies using foods widely consumed would have a huge impact, both medically and economically. This review summarizes some of our studies conducted to verify the anti-mutagenic and anti-carcinogenic potential of some Brazilian natural dietary constituents (annatto, mushrooms, and propolis). Overall data have shown a clear role for these compounds in preventing mutation and specific preneoplastic lesions. Taken together, these agents indicate a favorable side-effect profile and may prove to be a promising alternative for cancer prevention strategies, although more investigation is needed to fully explore this issue.

An overview of the ultraviolet index and the skin cancer cases in Brazil.

This study relates regional and seasonal UV index (UVI) variations, number of skin cancer cases and population skin-color distribution in Brazil. UVI calculations were performed using the UV Global Atmospheric Model (UVGAME), whose characteristics and validations are provided in thiis article. Health and racial data sets are based on the health and census data collected by Brazilian governmental agencies in the past. The discussion covers cultural customs and details of health and educational campaigns in Brazil. Despite lower UV levels in the South and Southeast regions, the results show a number of nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) cases regions, where the white population is predominant. In general, in the southern regions about 50 new NMSC cases per 100000 inhabitants have been diagnosed each year. These rates decrease almost 40% in the Central-North regions and more than 80% in Northeast region, where miscegenation is common. In addition, the UVI evaluation is extended to other South American sites with singular characteristics, e.g. populous cities located in high altitudes or those affected by the Antarctic ozone hole in the extreme south of the continent.