Factors associated with advanced diagnosis of cervical cancer: a hospital-based retrospective study in a state of the Brazilian Legal Amazon

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer (CC) is a public health issue and one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among women. In Brazil, despite prevention and screening strategies, many cases are still diagnosed at advanced stages. This study aimed to analyse factors associated with advanced CC diagnosis in the state of Mato Grosso between 2002 and 2021. Method: This is a retrospective study based on data from the Hospital Cancer Registry. A total of 1,126 women diagnosed with invasive CC (ICD-10: C53) were included. Sociodemographic, clinical and treatment access variables were analysed. Multinomial logistic regression was used to assess associations between variables and the stage at diagnosis. Results: The results showed that 58.3% of women were diagnosed at advanced stages (III and IV). Most patients were between 35 and 59 years old, had incomplete primary education and were non-white. Squamous cell carcinoma was the predominant histological type (71.8%). Women with adenocarcinoma had a lower chance of being diagnosed at an advanced stage, while the probability of a localised diagnosis decreased with age. Conclusion: The high number of late CC diagnoses suggests barriers to access to screening and early treatment in Mato Grosso. Expanding screening coverage, strengthening human papillomavirus vaccination and improving oncology services are essential to reduce the incidence and mortality of the disease in the state. Trial registration: Identification/approval number by the Committee of Ethics in Research with Human Beings in the Health Area – CEP of the Federal University of Mato Grosso – UFMT, opinion number: 4.858.521.