Brazil is expected to have 781,000 new cancer cases per year between 2026 and 2028. Cancer is approaching cardiovascular diseases as the leading cause of death in the country.
The data are from the publication Estimativa 2026-2028: Incidência de Câncer no Brasil, by the National Cancer Institute (Inca), released this Wednesday (4) in Rio de Janeiro on World Cancer Day.
According to the Inca, the numbers reflect the aging population, but also regional inequalities and persistent challenges in access to prevention, early diagnosis, and rapid treatment.
Among men, the five most common types of cancer are prostate (30.5%), colon and rectum (10.3%), lung (7.3%), stomach (5.4%), and oral cavity (4.85%).
Among women, breast cancer (30%), colon and rectum (10.5%), cervix (7.4%), lung (6.4%), and thyroid (5.1%) predominate.
Regional inequalities
According to the Inca, cervical cancer is among the most prevalent in the north and northeast of the country. Stomach cancer has the highest incidence among men in the north and northeast. Tumors associated with smoking (lung and oral cavity) are more frequent in the south and southeast.
For the Inca, the differences reflect unequal access to prevention, screening, and treatment. “Brazil is a heterogeneous country related to urbanization and exposure to risk factors such as lack of basic sanitation. But we are very concerned about colon and rectal cancer because incidence is rising. It is linked to early exposure to risk factors, the increase in obesity and sedentarism. This shows that something needs to be done,” said Inca director-general Roberto Gil.
“The most important thing is prevention: combating habits that lead to cancer such as tobacco—especially among the young with electronic devices—and rising obesity,” the minister stated.
Padilha also attended another event in Rio de Janeiro this Wednesday: Amil’s adherence to the Agora Tem Especialistas program, which will provide 600 surgeries in private hospitals to patients waiting in Unified Health System (SUS) queues.
Source: Agência Brasil