Regional Disparities in Access to Treatment for Cervical Cancer in Brazil
Fernando Augusto Siuta dos Santos, Pedro Dytz Marin, Giulia Scain, Isabela Alicia Fink, Julia Loureiro Chaves Cé, Martina de Sá, Rafaela Sumienski Girardi, Solana de Melo, Mariana Weremeier WeberPURPOSE
Cervical cancer is a major public health problem in Brazil, characterized by high mortality rates and regional disparities in access to diagnosis and treatment, especially in regions with limited healthcare infrastructure. In this context, the present study aims to analyze regional disparities, treatment wait times, treatment modalities, and mortality rates for this malignancy in Brazil between 2016 and 2025.
METHODS
A retrospective epidemiological study on cervical cancer. The database of the Department of Informatics of the Brazilian Unified Health System (DATASUS) was used, specifically the “Oncology Panel” and “Hospital Morbidity” sections, and cases diagnosed between 2016 and 2025 under ICD-10 code C539 were selected.
RESULTS
Between 2016 and 2025, 171,144 cases of cervical cancer were recorded in Brazil, with the highest concentration in the Southeast (35.01%), followed by the Northeast (28.50%), South (20.10%), North (9.06%), and Midwest (7.33%). Despite the influence of population size, the data reveal striking differences in access to diagnosis and treatment. Late diagnosis was predominant, with stage III being the most frequent (22.59%), associated with poorer prognoses and a greater need for complex therapies, such as radiation therapy, the most commonly used modality in the country. In addition, 66,922 women waited more than 60 days to begin treatment, exceeding the timeframe recommended by Brazilian law. The Northern Region presented the most critical situation, with the highest average mortality rate (15.39); the number of women who waited more than 60 days for treatment was nearly four times higher than those treated within 30 days, highlighting delays in cancer care. In contrast, the Southern Region had the lowest mortality rate (8.31) and more timely and equitable access to services. 23.94% of cases lacked information on treatment, suggesting weaknesses in health registration and monitoring systems.
CONCLUSION
The results highlight significant disparities in cervical cancer care in Brazil, and these findings underscore the need to strengthen public policies aimed at expanding access, screening, and equitable cancer care.