Study Reveals 80% of Lung Cancer Deaths in Brazil Linked to Smoking

According to a report from Brazilian media SBTNEWS on May 16th, a study presented at the Latin American Cancer Epidemiology and Registration Organization annual meeting (GRELL 2024) held by the Cancer Foundation in Switzerland revealed that 80% of male and female lung cancer deaths in Brazil are related to smoking (nicotine dependence). Alfredo Scaff, medical advisor at the Cancer Foundation, stated that the purpose of this study is to present data that can help prevent the disease to society.

A standard journalistic translation is: Skaf believes that there is a direct relationship between lung cancer and smoking habits, stating that "strictly speaking, smoking is currently the main cause of cancer worldwide, especially in Brazil.

There is controversy surrounding the use of e-cigarettes as a method to quit smoking, according to Scarf. In most cases, he believes it only leads to a habit of addiction to smoking. Scarf has warned that e-cigarettes may further increase the death rate from lung cancer caused by smoking. He also reminds people to be aware that nicotine is the most addictive substance in legal drugs.

A study has shown that the annual cost of lung cancer in Brazil reaches up to 9 billion Reais, including direct medical expenses, loss of productivity, and care for patients. However, the tobacco industry only covers 10% of the total expenses related to lung cancer in Brazil, amounting to 125 billion Reais.

Skaf pointed out that smoking not only leads to lung cancer but also to tooth decay, damage to the mouth and throat, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, acute myocardial infarction, and stroke. All of these contribute to increased direct costs in the public domain, such as treatment expenses, as well as indirect costs like productivity losses, budget expenditures, and so on.

The National Cancer Institute of Brazil predicts that this year there will be 14,000 new cases of lung cancer in women and 18,000 new cases in men. Additionally, the research found that the majority of patients, whether male (63.1%) or female (63.9%), seek medical attention when the disease has already reached an advanced stage. This is a widespread phenomenon across all regions of Brazil.

Researchers from the Cancer Foundation analyzed global data from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and found that if current smoking patterns continue, the incidence and mortality rates of lung cancer are projected to increase by over 65% and 74% respectively by the year 2040 compared to 2022.

In the southern region, smoking is very common. The incidence of lung cancer in the southern region is higher, with 24.14 cases per 100,000 for men and 15.54 cases per 100,000 for women, exceeding the national average of 12.73 cases for men and 9.26 cases for women.

The incidence rates of lung cancer in men are lower than the national average in the southern and northeastern regions, while the incidence rates in women in the southern, northeastern, and southeastern regions are 8.27 cases, 8.46 cases, and 8.92 cases per 100,000 people, respectively, also lower than the national average. In all age groups, the male lung cancer mortality rate in the southern region is the highest in the country. According to research, the lung cancer mortality rate in men aged 40-59 in the southern region is 16.03 cases per 100,000 people, while for those aged 60 and above, it is 132.26 cases per 100,000 people.

According to information from the Brazilian news agency, Brazil is facing an even more serious issue as many patients are already in the late stages of their illness when seeking treatment. This is not only the case for male patients (63.1%), but also for female patients (63.9%). This is a trend seen across all regions of Brazil.