The burden of lung cancer and mortality attributable to occupational risk factors between 1990 and 2019 in Brazil and federative units

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyse the attributable risk of mortality and DALYs (Disability Adjusted Life Years) due to occupational carcinogens for lung cancer between 1990 and 2019 in Brazil and federation units, as well as its relationship with the Socio-demographic Index (SDI).

Study design: Epidemiological study.

Methods: This is an epidemiological study that used GBD 2019 (Global Burden of Disease Study) estimates of lung cancer mortality rates and DALYs attributable to occupational carcinogens. The relationship between these rates and SDI was assessed using panel data analysis.

Results: In Brazil, occupational exposure to asbestos, silica and diesel vapours accounted for more than 85.00% of lung cancer deaths and DALYs attributable to occupational carcinogens in both sexes between 1990 and 2019. An increase in both rates was observed in women for almost all the occupational carcinogens assessed, especially in the North and Northeast regions of the country, with diesel vapours standing out the most.

Conclusions: The present study highlighted the urge to characterise exposure to occupational risks for lung cancer, especially for the female population in the North and Northeast regions of Brazil.

Keywords: Carcinogens; Lung cancer; Occupational risks.