Brazil is bracing for a significant rise in cancer cases in the coming years, with an estimated 781,000 new diagnoses expected annually between 2026 and 2028, according to a new report from the National Cancer Institute (Inca). This projected increase is attributed to factors including an aging population, exposure to risk factors, and delays in diagnosis – highlighting the growing need for proactive public health measures.
The Inca report also indicates that cancer is nearing cardiovascular disease as the leading cause of death in the country, underscoring the escalating impact of the disease on national health.
Among men, the most commonly diagnosed cancers are projected to be prostate cancer (30.5%), followed by colon and rectal cancers (10.3%), lung cancer (7.3%), stomach cancer (5.4%), and cancers of the oral cavity (4.8%). For women, the most prevalent cancers are expected to be breast cancer (30.0%), colon and rectal cancers (10.5%), cervical cancer (7.4%), lung cancer (6.4%), and thyroid cancer (5.1%). Non-melanoma skin cancer, while the most frequent cancer in both sexes due to its high incidence, is not included in this list because of its relatively low mortality rate.
“The estimates, more than just statistics, demonstrate the importance of planning and implementing cancer prevention, early detection, and timely access to treatment,” said Marcia Sarpa, coordinator of Prevention and Surveillance at Inca. The data serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing challenges and opportunities to strengthen public health surveillance in the short term, with a five-year outlook.
Regional differences in cancer incidence also emerged in the report. Cervical cancer is among the most common in the North and Northeast regions of Brazil, which also experience the highest rates of stomach cancer among men. In contrast, the South and Southeast regions see higher rates of cancers associated with tobacco use, such as lung and oral cavity cancers.
“These patterns reflect the interplay between demographic factors, environmental and occupational exposures, lifestyles, and inequalities in access to healthcare services,” the report states.
Primary Prevention as a Key Strategy
Inca emphasizes the importance of strengthening primary prevention efforts, including:
- HPV vaccination;
- Tobacco control;
- Promotion of healthy eating;
- Encouraging physical activity;
- Developing policies focused on timely diagnosis, particularly for breast, cervical, and colon and rectal cancers.
The Inca report concludes that investing in public health policies is an investment in lives, ensuring that all Brazilians have the best possible chance of cancer prevention, care, and survival. Learn more about cancer prevention.
