Penile Cancer Mortality in Brazil: Are We Making Progress?

This study aims to analyze the trends in mortality rates from penile cancer (PeC) and the treatment modalities adopted in Brazil over recent years.

Death records for PeC cases (International Classification of Diseases, version 10 C60) and treatment modalities were extracted from the DATASUS database. A joinpoint regression analysis was conducted to examine the data.

A total of 7,848 deaths due to PeC were recorded in Brazil between 1996 and 2020. Increasing mortality trends were observed, with an average annual percentage change (AAPC) of 0.91 (0.6-1.2; P < .001). The North and Northeast regions had the highest age-standardized mortality rates (ASMRs) and AAPCs. From 2008 to 2020, the ASMR in the Northeast region remained stable, whereas the North region surpassed it. The Southeast region exhibited a significant downward trend, with an AAPC of -0.91 (-1.3 to -0.5; P < .001). Penile biopsies declined and were more frequent in the southeastern region. A total of 8,498 penile amputations were performed, with 39.4% and 29.1% conducted in the Southeast and Northeast regions, respectively.

Brazil has experienced increasing mortality trends in PeC over the past 2 decades. Low schooling, married, and young men from the North or Northeast regions represent the majority of deaths. Urgent efforts are needed to enhance the diagnosis and treatment of PeC to prevent and reduce mortality rates in the country.