A descriptive study of prostate cancer mortality in the state of São Paulo, from 1980 to 2007

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective: Prostate cancer is the second most common neoplasm among men worldwide. This study aimed to examine the trend in mortality rates of prostate cancer among the population in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, from 1980 to 2007. Methods: a descriptive study of temporal series was conducted using mortality data due to prostate cancer between1980 and 2007 in the state of São Paulo. Mortality rates were obtained from the SUS Information System on Mortality (SIM/SUS – DATASUS). The age-specific mortality rates were calculated as well as linear regression and temporal trend analysis. Results: It could be observed that mortality increased according to age, being very similar only between the age group 70-79 years and ≥ 80 years (p = 0.047). The mortality peak in the age group 50-79 years occurred at the same time; however, the drop in mortality rates since then has been much more pronounced in the group of 50-59 years. There was a linear increase and direct association between the number of biopsies and the incidence of prostate cancer (r = 0.714, p = 0.024). Conclusions: Prostate cancer is a major cause of mortality in São Paulo and effective screening and treatment measures should be adopted to improve this scenario.