Brazil study shows 75,201 hospitalizations for malignant pancreatic neoplasms (2019–2023) with high in-hospital mortality

Juan Pablo Farzin Porche (medical student, Federal University of Health Science, Porto Alegre) presented an epidemiological analysis of hospitalizations for malignant pancreatic neoplasms across Brazil from 2019 through 2023 using the national DATASUS database. Over the five-year period, presenters reported 75,201 hospitalizations with most patients aged 60–79 and nearly equal sex distribution.

Regional disparities were notable: the Southeast accounted for 46% of hospitalizations, the North recorded the longest average length of stay (8.7 days) and the highest in-hospital mortality (25%), while the overall in-hospital mortality for the country was reported as 21%. The presenter linked higher mortality and longer stays in some regions to delayed diagnosis and limited access to timely treatment.

Farzin Porche and co-authors concluded that the findings underscore the need for earlier detection programs, improved oncology infrastructure, and equitable oncological support across Brazil’s regions to address the disproportionate burden and high mortality associated with pancreatic cancer.