EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF MALIGNANT NEOPLASM OF THE RECTOSIGMOID JUNCTION IN BRAZIL BETWEEN 2018 AND 2023

Introduction In 2022, approximately 20 million new cancer cases were reported globally. Colorectal cancer ranks third in prevalence and holds the same position in mortality for both genders.¹ Between 2023 and 2025, 45,000 annual cases of colorectal cancer are projected in Brazil.² Malignant neoplasm of the rectosigmoid junction is one of the types of colorectal cancer. Therefore, it is crucial to assess the current epidemiological scenario of this neoplasm to improve the reach of primary care.

Objective The current summary aims to evaluate the epidemiological profile of malignant neoplasm of the rectosigmoid junction in Brazil between 2018 and 2023.

Method This is an ecological study based on data collected from the Department of Informatics of the Unified Health System (DATASUS) regarding diagnoses related to ICD-19 (malignant neoplasm of the rectosigmoid junction) registered between March 2018 and 2023. The data of interest included the total number of recorded cases, year of diagnosis, origin, and gender of the patients. Data collection took place on June 10, 2024.

Results Between 2018 and 2023, 12,899 cases of malignant neoplasm of the rectosigmoid junction were recorded, with a slight prevalence among women (6,516 women diagnosed compared to 6,383 men). Over the years, there was an approximate 82.7% increase in the total number of cases. The increase was 87.6% (638 cases) among women and 77.8% (560 cases) among men. A plateau in the total number of cases was observed between 2019 and 2021 (2,150 and 2,183 cases, respectively). During this period, the gender distribution pattern remained consistent, with an increase 5.6 times higher in women (28 cases) compared to men (5 cases). After this period, the growth became progressive, with an increase of 129 and 335 cases recorded in 2022 and 2023, respectively.

Conclusion The findings indicate that the incidence of malignant neoplasm of the rectosigmoid junction has followed an increasing trend over the past five years, with progressive growth in the last two years. These data highlight the need for resources, material, and human allocation to meet the growing demand. Women are the most affected group, emphasizing the need for enhanced primary healthcare attention regarding diagnosis and continued treatment for this population.

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Artikel online veröffentlicht:
25. April 2025