Brasília – Cancer has already become the main cause of death in 670 Brazilian municipalities, according to new data from the Observatório de Oncologia. The figure represents a 30% increase in eight years — rising from 516 cities in 2015 to 670 in 2023 — and now corresponds to about 12% of all municipalities in the country.

The study shows that deaths from malignant tumors have grown 120% since 1998, while deaths from cardiovascular diseases have increased 51% over the same period. The South region leads the trend, accounting for nearly half of the cities where cancer is the leading cause of death — including 168 municipalities in Rio Grande do Sul, where 22% of all deaths are linked to the disease.

Researchers warn that, if current patterns persist, cancer could become the number one cause of death in Brazil by 2029. The data highlight the growing burden of chronic diseases in small municipalities, where diagnostic access and oncology services remain limited.

Source: G1