Epidemiology of Morbidity and Mortality from Oral Neoplasms in Elderly Individuals in the Brazilian Northeast

Abstract

Introduction: Oral and pharyngeal cancers represent a growing public health concern among the elderly population, particularly in less developed regions of Brazil. Objective: To analyze hospital morbidity and mortality due to malignant neoplasms of the lip, oral cavity, and pharynx among elderly individuals in the Brazilian Northeast from 2014 to 2023. Method: This was a cross-sectional epidemiological study using secondary data from the SIH/SUS and SIM/DATASUS databases. Mortality rates, number of hospitalizations, deaths, hospital costs, and temporal trends were assessed using linear regression analysis. Results: The average mortality rate was 13.76 per 100,000 inhabitants, with the highest incidence among men (65.2%) and individuals aged 80 years or older. A significant upward trend was observed in the annual number of deaths (β = +10.07; p = 0.007) and hospital costs (β = +R$ 243,340.00; p = 0.002). Female mortality rates showed a significant decline (β = -0.33; p = 0.016), while male mortality remained stable. Conclusion: The findings highlight an increasing epidemiological and economic burden of oral cancer in the elderly population in the Northeast of Brazil, with marked disparities by sex and age. The study reinforces the need for public health policies aimed at early diagnosis, prevention, and comprehensive care for older adults