Changing Patterns of Lung Cancer in Brazil: Increasing Female Participation and Regional Disparities
Martina de Sá, Gonçalo Zardin Chechi, Luísa Schafre, Vitório Serafim, Amanda Bendo PereiraPURPOSE
Despite advances in prevention and treatment, lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, accounting for 1.8 million deaths in 2022. Historically considered a predominantly male disease, recent epidemiological shifts have demonstrated a rising incidence among women. In this context, this study aims to understand how these changes are affecting Brazil, as well as the regional disparities within the country.
METHODS
A retrospective descriptive epidemiological study was conducted using publicly available data from the Brazilian National Cancer Institute (INCA) and the Oncology Panel database. Age-adjusted incidence rates per 100,000 inhabitants and absolute case numbers were analyzed according to sex and geographic region.
RESULTS
For 2026, the estimated age-adjusted incidence rate of lung cancer in Brazil is 10.53 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Across the country, marked regional disparities were observed. The South region reported the highest incidence rates, with the state of Santa Catarina showing the highest rate nationwide (19.38 cases per 100,000 inhabitants), followed by Rio Grande do Sul (18.28). In contrast, the North region showed the lowest incidence rates, with 7.66 cases per 100,000 among women and 9.70 among men. Regarding epidemiological transition, an increasing proportion of lung cancer cases among women was identified. Between 2013 and 2024, lung cancer cases among Brazilian women increased, with the female proportion of total cases rising from 40.7% to 49.8% nationwide, reinforcing the ongoing shift in the disease profile. Notably, the Northeast region exhibited an inversion in the sex distribution, with women accounting 53.8% of regional cases.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the epidemiological profile of lung cancer in Brazil is undergoing a significant transition, characterized by a growing burden among women and marked regional disparities. The elevated incidence observed in Southern Brazil likely reflects cumulative tobacco exposure and regional socioeconomic factors. These findings underscore the urgency of strengthening gender-sensitive prevention, smoking cessation and early diagnosis strategies and improve survival outcomes nationwide.