PREVALENCE OF CERVICAL CANCER IN WOMEN AGED 30 TO 59 YEARS IN THE NORTHEAST AND SOUTHEAST REGIONS OF BRAZIL: AN ECOLOGICAL STUDY

Abstract

The objective of this study was to analyze the prevalence of malignant cervical neoplasm in women aged 30 to 59 years in the Northeast and Southeast regions of Brazil, considering the distribution of cases by place of hospitalization. Methods: An ecological, observational and cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach, based on data from the SUS Hospital Information System (SIH/SUS). Hospitalizations for malignant neoplasm of the cervix (ICD-10 C53) between 2019 and 2023 were analyzed, considering age group, year of hospitalization, and regional distribution. The analysis used descriptive statistics, with tables and graphs to understand the epidemiological patterns. Results: In the period analyzed, there were 87,691 hospitalizations for malignant neoplasms of the cervix, 65.97% of which were in the Northeast and Southeast regions. The highest prevalence was between 40 and 49 years of age. The progressive increase in hospitalizations suggests a delay in diagnosis and the need for more effective preventive actions. Discussion: Regional differences indicate disparities in access to health care, with a higher absolute number of cases in the Southeast, possibly due to greater diagnostic capacity. The growth in hospitalizations reinforces the importance of prevention strategies, such as expanding HPV vaccination and screening by Pap smear. Conclusion: The findings highlight the need for public policies that ensure equitable access to prevention and treatment, reducing regional inequalities and strengthening health actions.