Occupational Cancer Mortality Trends in Brazil, 1990-2023

This study analyzes temporal trends in occupational cancer mortality in Brazil and its federative units from 1990 to 2023, focusing on regional and gender disparities.

We conducted an ecological time-series analysis using data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) database. We included deaths from malignant neoplasms attributable to occupational exposures and calculated age-standardized mortality rates. We applied segmented regression with the Joinpoint Regression Program (version 5.4) to estimate the Annual Percent Change (APC) and Average Annual Percent Change (AAPC) for Brazil and its states, stratified by sex.

Occupational cancer mortality declined nationally (AAPC = -1.08; 95% CI: -1.37 to -0.85), with a more substantial decrease among men. Marked regional differences emerged: the South, Southeast, and Midwest regions showed consistent declines, while several states in the North and Northeast exhibited stable or rising rates, especially among women. Part of the observed recent decline coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic (2019-2023), suggesting potential underdiagnosis or underreporting.

Brazil has experienced a national decline in occupational cancer mortality; however, regional and gender inequalities persist. Territorial, economic, and occupational contexts shape these differences. Strengthening surveillance systems, updating exposure registries, and developing policies sensitive to regional and gender disparities may contribute to improving occupational cancer prevention and control.