Epidemiological profile of bronchial lung cancer between the years 2013 to 2023 in the northern region of Brazil

Lung and bronchial cancer is one of the leading causes of death in Brazil, with higher incidence among men, although the number of cases in women is increasing. Smoking is the main risk factor, but late diagnosis worsens disease progression, especially in marginalized regions like the North of the country. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the evolution of lung and bronchial cancer cases in the North region of Brazil over the past ten years. Data were collected from the Department of Informatics of the Unified Health System (DATASUS) and the oncology panel, organized by age group, sex, and state. Analyses were conducted using RStudio and Excel. The state of Pará showed the highest increase in lung and bronchial cancer cases in 2023, followed by Rondônia and Amazonas, which recorded significant increases in 2021. A rise in cases was observed with advancing age, especially among men. The results suggest that delayed diagnosis, combined with the precariousness of the healthcare infrastructure in Northern Brazil, may contribute to disease progression and increased mortality. The marginalization of this region in the national healthcare context is a relevant factor in this scenario. It is concluded that delayed diagnosis and structural failures in the healthcare system are key determinants of the increase in lung and bronchial cancer cases in the North region, and that structural measures are necessary to improve early diagnosis and reduce mortality.