Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted the continuity of essential health services, including cancer treatment. The Brazilian Amazon region, historically marked by geographic and socioeconomic disparities, may have experienced disproportionate impacts on access to oncological hospitalizations. Understanding these inequalities is essential for equitable public health planning. Objectives: To evaluate spatial inequalities in access to oncological hospitalizations in the municipalities of the Legal Amazon before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, correlating them with hospital infrastructure and disease burden. Methods:This was an ecological before-and-after study conducted in 771 municipalities of the Brazilian Legal Amazon, covering the states of Acre, Amapá, Amazonas, Maranhão, Mato Grosso, Pará, Rondônia, Roraima, and Tocantins. Data on hospital admissions for neoplasms (ICD-10: C00–C97) were extracted from the Hospital Information System (SIH-SUS). Age-standardized hospitalization rates per 100,000 inhabitants were calculated using population estimates from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). The availability of oncology beds was obtained from the National Registry of Health Establishments (CNES), and data on COVID-19 cases and deaths from SINAN and SIM. Socioeconomic indicators such as the Municipal Human Development Index (IDHM) and rural population proportion were collected from the Atlas Brasil. Spatial analysis was performed using Local Indicators of Spatial Association (LISA), and multivariate analysis was performed using stepwise linear regression (p < 0.05). Results: During the pandemic period (2020–2021), the mean age-standardized oncological hospitalization rate dropped from 129.4 to 98.5 per 100,000 inhabitants, representing an average reduction of 23.8%. Municipalities with low IDHM had a mean drop of 31.2%, while those with high oncology bed density showed reductions of less than 10%. LISA analysis identified significant clusters of high reduction in access in western Amazonas, southern Pará, and northern Maranhão (p < 0.05). The multivariate model showed that lower oncology bed density (? = -0.34; p < 0.01) and higher COVID-19 mortality (? = -0.22; p = 0.03) were significantly associated with greater decreases in hospitalization rates, independently of IDHM and rurality. Conclusion: The pandemic exacerbated pre-existing disparities in access to cancer care in the Legal Amazon. Municipalities with limited hospital infrastructure and higher COVID-19 burden were the most affected. These findings highlight the urgency of investing in regional oncology services and strengthening health system resilience in vulnerable areas.
It is with great enthusiasm that we present the Annals of the Oncology International Symposium 2025, an event that continues to solidify its significance in the oncology landscape of northern Brazil. Held in Belém, Pará, Oncology 2025 centered around the theme "The cancer control challenge: better knowing it to best facing it," dedicating itself to exploring the latest frontiers in cancer treatment and prevention.
This year, the symposium provided a deep dive into the essential role of knowledge in the fight against cancer, presenting new perspectives and scientific advancements across various areas of oncology. Renowned global experts gathered to share their most recent research and innovative approaches, offering participants a comprehensive view of the challenges faced by healthcare professionals and patients worldwide.
Presentations and discussions during the event focused on critical topics such as the use of new technologies, advancements in personalized therapies, and more effective prevention strategies. Additionally, particular attention was given to the unique challenges faced by the Amazon region, with efforts aimed at developing region-specific solutions to meet local needs.
Beyond being a high-caliber academic event, Oncology 2025 stood out as a moment for integration and professional networking, with the warm hospitality of the city of Belém offering participants a unique experience. This event became a platform for exchanging ideas, where science, culture, and humanity came together in pursuit of a common goal: to improve cancer control both in Brazil and globally.
This collection of abstracts and articles presented during the event reflects the ongoing dedication to research and the development of innovative solutions, highlighting the importance of collaboration and shared knowledge in the fight against cancer.
General Submission Guidelines:
The presenting author, who does not have to be the first author, must be registered for Oncology 2025.
Each abstract may have up to 10 authors, including the main author and co-authors.
Only original, unpublished work will be accepted.
Submissions must be related to oncology. However, project descriptions, work proposals, experience reports, and literature reviews will not be considered.
Clinical case reports are allowed, provided the abstract addresses scientific questions, details clinical observations, and includes primary scientific data.
The abstract must be written in English, but presentations may be given in Portuguese.
Abstracts must be between 300 and 500 words.
Comissão Organizadora
Comissão Científica
See Annals of Oncology 2023 at:
https://www.even3.com.br/anais/oncology-2023-international-symposium/
Complete tool for submission, evaluation and publication of proceedings for scientific events.
