Federal spending on just three of the most common types of cancer in Brazil (breast, large intestine and endometrium) could be reduced by up to R$ 20 million with cancer treatment, in 2040, by expanding the practice of activity physics in the population . The data comes from a study released today (29) by the National Cancer Institute (Inca), during the symposium “Physical Activity in the Fight against Cancer: Recommendations and Economic Implications for SUS”, within the celebrations of the World Day of Physical Activity, which took place on the last day 6.
According to the Incas, in order to save money on cancer treatment, a third of Brazilians should do at least 150 minutes of physical exercise per week, until 2030, at moderate activity.
If there are no public policies and procedures that encourage physical activity during leisure time, the total expenditure of the Unified Health System (SUS) on these three types of cancer, which amounted to R$ 1.4 billion in 2018, could reach R$ 2.5 billion, in 2030, and R$3.4 billion, in 2040. The expenditures take into account hospital and outpatient procedures performed at SUS for cancer patients aged 30 years or older. Risk factors for breast, large intestine and endometrial cancer are lack of physical activity and inactive habits, such as watching TV and using mobile phones or excessive computers.
not enough
Researcher Fabio Carvalho, of the Inca Organization for Prevention and Control, said: Brazil Agency In 2019, the prevalence of insufficient leisure time decreased from 92% to 70% in men and from 94% to 77% in women. Despite the decline, the values of lack of physical activity among Brazilians are still high. Note that “practice is not enough”. The most appropriate scenario from a resource savings perspective would be to reduce proliferation by 10%. You could say it’s a feasible goal, because that will be in ten years.”
The savings from this increase in physical activity among the population can be reused both in hospital and outpatient affairs, as well as in physical activity programmes. “So, that’s good for everyone,” Carvalho emphasized. He pointed out that these measures are valid to prevent new cancer cases, as well as for those who are undergoing treatment or have previously contracted the disease.
The study presented by the Incas highlighted that if the trend towards an increase in cancer cases continues, and the absence of physical activity among Brazilians continues, the forecast for federal government spending on cancer treatments will be about 7.8 billion reais, in 2040, compared to approximately 3.5 billion reais , in 2018. The prediction is that the number of new cancer cases diagnosed in Brazil, excluding non-melanomas, will increase by 66%, in 2040, compared to 450 thousand cases registered in 2019. An 81% increase in the number of deaths compared to With 232 thousand cancer deaths observed in 2021.
protection
Researcher Thena Alves Malhau, of the Inca Organization for Prevention and Monitoring, analyzed that it is possible to plot a different scenario, because between 80% and 90% of cancer cases are preventable, with lifestyle changes. The Incas assert that primary prevention is linked to disease control. “Cancer can be prevented through physical activity and healthy eating,” Fabio Carvalho emphasized.
During the event, the Guide to Physical Activity and Cancer: Recommendations for Prevention and Control was presented, which was prepared through an institutional partnership between the Incas, the Brazilian Society of Clinical Oncology (Sboc) and the Brazilian Society for Physical Activity and Health (Sbafs). The guide can be consulted by anyone interested who may understand that physical activity is very important for cancer prevention, added Fabio Carvalho, who targets SUS managers.
The Director-General of the Inca, Ana Cristina Pinho, emphasized that the role of the institute, which is linked to the Ministry of Health, is to inform the population that cancer can be avoided in most cases. According to Anna Cristina, today’s event aims to encourage good daily habits and demonstrate the positive effects of primary prevention, which can be reflected in savings in SUS expenditures.
Charlotte Whitmore is a contributor at Mediarunsearch.co.uk, covering a broad range of topics including news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment, and lifestyle. She focuses on delivering clear, balanced reporting and practical information that helps readers stay informed about current events and emerging developments. Her work highlights stories that matter to everyday audiences, with an emphasis on accuracy, relevance, and accessible journalism that keeps readers connected to the issues shaping the UK and beyond.