Epidemiological profile of surgical treatment of lung cancer: retrospective analysis, Brazil, 2014-2023

To analyze the socioeconomic influences on the surgical treatment of lung cancer in Brazil and to provide reflection points to propose more effective strategies for tackling this disease.

Data from 2014 to 2023 were extracted from the Hospital Information System of the Brazilian Unified Health System and the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics. Sex and region of origin of patients who underwent surgical procedures for lung cancer were analyzed. Statistical analyses were performed using GraphPadPrism software version 8.0.1 and R software version 4.4.2.

20,805 surgical procedures and 112,118 diagnoses of malignant neoplasms of the bronchi and lungs in Brazil were analyzed between 2014 and 2023. Women accounted for 50.6% of the procedures. Men accounted for 54.7% of the diagnoses. There was no significant difference between sexes in terms of procedures performed or consultations (p-value>0.05). The South region had the highest rate of procedures (20.1/1 million inhabitants/year). The North region had the lowest rate of procedures (3.5/1 million). A 51.6% increase in procedures was identified over the decade, with positive correlations between the Human Development Index (r=0.62; p-value<0.001) and per capita income (r=0.48; p-value 0.010) with procedures.

Socioeconomic factors appear to influence access to surgical treatment of lung cancer in Brazil, with significant regional disparities, especially in the North and Northeast regions. The increase in surgical procedures reflects technological advances and public policies, but inequalities in access persist. Investments in infrastructure and equitable policies are essential to address these inequalities.