Prevalência de óbitos por câncer na cidade de Cajazeiras - Paraíba.

Abstract

Cancer refers to malignant tumors, defined as neoplasms and arises when some factors interfere with normal cell replication, altering its DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid ), causing the cell to lose its functions and multiply wildly, creating a tumor. This disease ranks second in terms of mortality, becoming a serious public health problem. The aim this study to estimate the prevalence of cancer deaths in the city of Cajazeiras-PB. This is an epidemiological study, descriptive quantitative approach. The sample consisted of 115 death certificates, who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria established. The instrument was his own statements in the Health Department of the city. Data were collected on death certificates that are stored in the Municipal Health, where it was possible to see the demographics and diagnoses of patients' deaths during the period 2007 to 2011. The socio-economic conditions showed that males were most affected by this disease with 61% of the sample; the average age of patients was 71 years above, with 50% of the sample. Since most of the population was illiterate (37%), agricultural workers (47%), mixed race (46%) and married (56%). Data analysis also found that the most prevalent cancer in the population was Cajazeirense Stomach with 16 cases (14% of the sample) followed by lung, 14 cases (13%) liver and bile ducts in 10 cases (9%) , prostate and breast cancer cases each with 7 (6% each), and unspecified neoplasms with 6 cases (5%). Control, prevention and care to cancer depends on the formulation of public policies and development activities and dissemination of knowledge for the population.