Epidemiology of distribution and mortality from vulvar cancer in Brazil

Abstract

Objective: Review the Brazilian epidemiology of incidence and mortality from vulvar cancer between 2013 and 2023. Methods: This is an ecological, descriptive, epidemiological and quantitative study about malignant neoplasia of the vulva in Brazil. Records from January 2013 to December 2023 were considered, available in the Panel - Oncology, SIH/SUS, SIM and DATASUS. The Microsoft Office Excel program was used for analyses, presented using descriptive statistics. Results: 9,259 cases were reported, with an increase in 2018 and a higher number in 2023 (1,411). The most affected age was 60-69 years old (23.8%). The highest incidence occurred in the Southeast (47.6%) and the lowest in the North (3.9%). Regarding staging, 16.6% of cases were diagnosed in stage 3, with many records without specific staging. Regarding treatment, 33% of patients started within 30 days, with the predominant surgical modality (35%). Mortality was stable, with 4,274 deaths, predominantly in those over 80 years of age and in the Southeast Region (55%). Conclusion: Although mortality has remained constant, the increase in vulvar cancer diagnoses highlights the need for health policies for prevention, early detection and encouragement of HPV vaccination.