Epidemiological analysis of cervical cancer cases in Tocantins between 2019 and 2024

Abstract

Cervical cancer (CCU) remains a serious public health problem, especially in regions with low socioeconomic indicators and limited screening coverage. This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological profile of CCU in Tocantins between 2019 and 2024. This is a descriptive, ecological, cross-sectional, and quantitative study, based on data from SIH/SUS and SISCAN. 2,936 records of precursor lesions and cervical neoplasms were identified in women residing in the state. The most affected age group was 35 to 39 years (17.1%), followed by 40 to 44 years (16.4%). Invasive squamous cell carcinoma was the predominant histological type (97%), concentrated in the municipalities of Palmas (21.7%) and Araguaína (6.0%). Low-grade intraepithelial lesions (CIN I) accounted for 44.3% of cases. A slight reduction in the number of diagnoses was observed over the years, however, the rates remain high, highlighting regional inequalities and low screening coverage (26.5%), below the Ministry of Health's target of 80%. It is concluded that expanding HPV vaccination and strengthening prevention and health education actions are essential to reduce the incidence and mortality from cervical cancer in Tocantins.