Pediatric hematology oncology in Brazil.

摘要

Brazil is the largest and most populous country in South America with an area of ~8,511,965 km2 and a population of 170,029,560 habitants. It is composed mostly of young people; 2007 estimate reveals that 38% of the population is under 19 years of age [1]. For 2009, the Instituto Nacional de Cancer (National Cancer Institute) estimates around 9,890 patients with cancer under 19 years of age. There are currently 20 population-based cancer registries (PBCRs) in Brazil. A recent report has described an analysis of the incidence of childhood cancer based on data from 14 PBCRs corresponding to 15% of the child and adolescent populations in Brazil [2]. Data were obtained from registry databases, including information on population coverage and data quality indicators.