Trends in morbidity and mortality due to child and adolescent cancer in a center of irrigated fruitculture

Abstract Objective To describe trends in cancer morbidity and mortality among young people aged 0 to 19 years in the municipalities of Petrolina (PE) and Juazeiro (BA). Method Historical series of morbidity and mortality from childhood and adolescence of residents of Petrolina (PE) and Juazeiro (BA), from 2004 to 2013, using data from the Hospital Internment Information System and Mortality Information System. Rates of hospitalization and mortality were standardized by age, trend analysis was performed by the Joinpoint regression model. Results Rates of hospitalization and mortality were higher in Petrolina compared to those in Juazeiro. Mortality rates above 60/1.000.0000 in both municipalities are above the Brazilian mortality rates (40.28/1.000,000) and the mortality rates in the Northeast (35.62/1.000.000) from 2001 to 2005. Conclusion There was a significant increase in hospitalization rates and increase without statistical significance of mortality rates in the two municipalities, which may be related to improved access to specialized pediatric oncology services, late diagnosis, and exposure to pesticides.