Skin neoplasm in a reference hospital of Campos dos Goytacazes municipality: record integration and its interface with the health policy

Abstract

Given its importance and multidimensionality, health plays an essential role in the public policy field. Skin cancer is the most common type of neoplasm found in Brazil and is considered a public health problem. In this regard, this research addresses the issue of skin cancer with a diagnosis of its incidence in the municipality of Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, based on the Hospital Cancer Registry (RHC, abbreviation in Portuguese). These records obtained data from all patients seen at a reference hospital (Hospital Escola Álvaro Alvim) who were diagnosed with skin cancer between 2012 and 2017, totaling 656 cases. A descriptive statistical analysis of variables such as age, occupation, tumor location, neighborhood, and gender was used to profile skin cancer patients in the municipality, identifying the sectors of the area where the local population is most affected by the disease, besides any environmental factors that may be related and the most affected race. The results of the study demonstrate that the light-skinned population (69.1%) and the age group over 55 years old (predominantly from 70 to 74 years for basal cell carcinomas and from 80 to 84 years for squamous cell carcinomas) constitute the most affected group by skin cancer. This information should support public policies and campaigns among the population aiming to improve strategies for its prevention and early diagnosis.