Environment and cancer in Brazil: an overview from a public health perspective.
This paper presents the current pattern of cancer incidence in Brazil by analyzing the country's cancer epidemiological profile. The authors highlight the observed overlapping distribution of cancer incidence in Brazil in tumor sites normally associated with higher socioeconomic status (cancers of the breast, prostate, and colon/rectum, among others) and poverty (cervix, stomach, oral cavity, and penis). In addition to analyzing the demographic and social characteristics associated with current epidemiological distribution of cancer in Brazil, the authors present several of the most important environmental risk factors (smoking and exposure to radiation, pesticides, and other chemicals) and discuss their respective exposure levels in the Brazilian context. The article concludes with an evaluation of the principal challenges facing environmental cancer control programs in Brazil, particularly focusing on smoking and exposure to chemicals.
Koifman
Sergio
S
Department of Epidemiology, National School of Public Health, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation Ministry of Health, Rua Leopoldo Bulhoes 1480 Sala 821, Rio de Janeiro, RJ CEP 21041-210, Brazil. koifman@ensp.fiocruz.br
Koifman
Rosalina Jorge
RJ
D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000633:toxicity*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control
D004785:Environmental Pollutants