Radiotherapy Treatment in the National Health System: an Analysis of the Period from 2012 to 2016

Abstract

Introduction: Radiotherapy is one of the therapeutic modalities in the treatment of cancer. Objective: To describe the epidemiology and assistance profile the radiotherapy treatment in the Unified Health System in the period 2012-2016. Method: Descriptive study about Authorization of Procedures of High Complexity in Oncology of the Outpatient Information System. The quantitative of national health card, the number of authorization by card, the most frequent neoplasia cases, the number of fields for the treatment of neoplasia,  the average age of neoplasia treatment and the aim of treatment by licensed facilities in oncology. Results: 509,708 CNS were identified with a ratio of two authorization/card. Breast cancer (24.3%)  and prostate cancer (18.5%) were the most frequent neoplasms. The number of fields per neoplasia was  higher than the one recommended. Average age was lower for encephalon (48 years) and longer for prostate (70 years). Most of the treatment (85.2%) was for non-palliative purposes and were performed in Center of High Complexity in Oncology with Pediatric Oncology Service. Conclusion: The study demonstrated an increase in the number of cases/year treated with radiotherapy, evidencing an important of this therapeutic modality. Studies that characterize the profile of cases in cancer treatment are necessary to qualify the management of the health care network.