Demographic Distribution and Analysis of Hospital Morbidity due to Malignant Esophageal Neoplasm in Brazil: An Observational Study Using SUS Data (2022–2025)

Abstract

Esophageal cancer is a highly lethal malignancy with significant public health impact, showing higher incidence among males and older age groups. This study aimed to analyze hospital morbidity due to malignant esophageal neoplasm in Brazil, according to age group and sex, from 2022 to 2025. This is an epidemiological, observational, descriptive, and retrospective study based on secondary data from the Hospital Information System of the Brazilian Unified Health System (SIH/SUS), available through DATASUS. Hospitalizations due to malignant esophageal neoplasm, classified according to ICD-10, were analyzed considering sex and age group variables. During the study period, there was a marked predominance of hospitalizations among males, with higher concentration in individuals aged 50 to 69 years, particularly between 60 and 69 years. A progressive increase in hospitalizations with advancing age was observed up to the sixth decade of life, followed by a slight decline in older age groups. These findings reinforce the association between cumulative risk factors and disease development, as well as suggest late diagnosis. It is concluded that esophageal cancer remains an important public health issue in Brazil, highlighting the need for strategies focused on prevention, early diagnosis, and control of risk factors, especially among vulnerable populations.