A geografia da radiología e o nordeste do Brasil

Abstract

Cancer is responsible for more than 12% of all causes of death worldwide, corresponding to 7 million deaths per year due to this disease (INCA, 2020). Due to the increase in the estimated life span of the population, the incidence of cancer, which in 2002 was estimated at 11 million new cases, will reach about 625,000 new cases by 2022 (INCA, 2020). Objective: To verify the distribution of radiotherapy clinics by population by region, comparing with data from the Northeast, in accordance with the norms of the Brazilian Society of Radiotherapy (SBRT). Methodology: This study used the descriptive method, having considering that its main objective is to verify the distribution of radiotherapy clinics by population in the Northeast, according to official information from the Brazilian Society of Radiotherapy (SBRT) and the licensing agency (National Nuclear Energy Commission/CNEN) through a quali-quantitative approach. Results: There was an urgent need to expand radiotherapy services in Brazil, due to the obsolescence of the devices used in this modality, which is more evident in the Northeast region, as well as the coverage of the population. Conclusion: The research showed that, although there are actions by the Federal Government that aim to meet current needs, they are not sufficient, with delays since 2012 in the management and execution of demands, such as those present in the Radiotherapy Expansion Plan, outlining a scenario not favorable for the coming years if this situation persists.