P2-157 Mortality trends of prostate cancer in elder Brazilians, 1980–2008

Introduction While incidence and mortality rates for most cancers are decreasing in developed countries, they are increasing in the less developed. Prostate cancer is becoming one of the most frequent cancers in men. The aim of this study was to analyse trends of mortality for prostate cancer in elder Brazilians. Methods All deaths with prostate cancer as the underlying cause, occurring during 1980–2008, in the 27 Brazilian States, in men aged 60 years or more, were identified in the Mortality Information System, a population-based nationwide registry. Population data was obtained from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics. Trends were analysed through polynomial regression models, using adjusted and age-specific annual rates of mortality for each State. Results Prostate cancer mortality has been increasing in all Brazilian States, although some showed a certain pattern of stability for the more recent years. There was considerable regional variability in the magnitude of the annual increments, varying from 1.30 to 6.25 deaths per 100 000 men/year. Regarding trends by age groups, patterns were similar to those observed for the group as a whole. Conclusion Incidence of prostate cancer has greatly increased over the last decades, following the advent of the prostate-specific antigen test. Consequently, interpreting temporal trends in mortality has become difficult. It remains unclear to what extent the increasing mortality rates are due to detection of the disease or are representing a rise in its incidence. The increase in mortality observed in Brazil requires further monitoring.