Epidemiological profile of colon and rectal cancer cases reported in the southern region of Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: Colorectal cancer represents a significant public health issue in Brazil, particularly in the Southern region, where some of the highest incidence rates are concentrated. Analyzing the patient profile and treatment characteristics is essential for understanding the epidemiological scenario and supporting strategies for early diagnosis and improved quality of care. Objective: To identify the sociodemographic and clinical profile of patients diagnosed with malignant neoplasms of the colon and rectum in southern Brazil between 2020 and 2025, analyzing the distribution by state, sex, age group, treatment timeliness, clinical staging, and the main therapeutic modalities recorded. Methods: This is an epidemiological, descriptive, and retrospective study conducted using secondary data obtained from the DATASUS Oncology Panel. All reported cases of colon cancer (ICD C18) and rectal cancer (ICD C20) from the states of Paraná, Santa Catarina, and Rio Grande do Sul were included. The data analyzed comprised demographic characteristics, time between diagnosis and treatment initiation, clinical staging, and the type of treatment recorded. Data were organized into tables and analyzed using absolute and relative frequencies. Results: A higher number of cases was observed in Rio Grande do Sul, with a predominance among males and greater occurrence in individuals aged 50 to 74 years. Delays in treatment initiation were identified, along with a substantial number of records lacking information on both treatment timeliness and staging. Chemotherapy was the most frequently used treatment modality, followed by surgery. Conclusion: The findings reveal weaknesses in data completeness and indicate late diagnosis. The need to improve data recording and expand early detection strategies is emphasized.