Perfil epidemiológico e tendência temporal das internações por Neoplasia Maligna de Cólon no Nordeste brasileiro nos anos de 2019 a 2024

Abstract

Colorectal Cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, constituting a significant public health challenge, particularly in regions marked by socioeconomic and structural inequalities, such as Northeastern Brazil. In this context, the present study aimed to analyze the epidemiological profile and temporal trend of hospitalizations due to malignant neoplasm of the colon in Northeastern Brazil from 2019 to 2024, as well as to identify demographic and regional patterns associated with these hospital admissions. This ecological, retrospective, and descriptive study employed a quantitative approach based on secondary data obtained from the Hospital Information System of the Brazilian Unified Health System (SIH/DATASUS). The variables analyzed included year of hospitalization, state, age group, race/color, sex, and type of admission, using descriptive statistical analysis with absolute and relative frequencies. The results revealed 47,593 hospitalizations for Malignant Neoplasm of the Colon during the study period, with the highest concentration observed in 2023 (18.6%), followed by 2024 (18.5%), whereas 2020 presented the lowest proportion (14.4%). A significant upward temporal trend in hospitalization rates was identified (β₁ = 0.76; R = 0.9511; p < 0.004), suggesting a progressive increase in healthcare burden. Regionally, Pernambuco accounted for the highest number of hospitalizations (n = 12,225), followed by Rio Grande do Norte (n = 9,074) and Bahia (n = 8,895), which together represented more than 60% of all recorded admissions. Hospitalizations were predominantly observed among individuals aged 60–69 years (26.8%), people of mixed race (72.9%), females (54.5%), and elective admissions (56.8%). It is concluded that Malignant Neoplasm of the Colon remains a major public health concern in Northeastern Brazil, highlighting the need to strengthen screening strategies, expand access to early diagnosis, and improve the organization of regional oncology care networks.