Trends in mortality due to breast cancer among women in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 1996-2011

A descriptive time series study was conducted in order to analyze the mortality rates for breast cancer in two age brackets (< 60 years and ≥ 60 years), in areas of the state of Rio de Janeiro (inland, metropolitan area, capital and state). The data source was the Mortality Information System. Mortality rates were analyzed for four-year periods, between 1996 and 2011, and the ratios between the incidences for the two age brackets in each area. The trend in annual mortality rates was analyzed with the Joinpoint program and polynomial regression models. The ratios between the incidences observed were 7-8 times higher in women aged 60 years or older. Joinpoint analyses indicated a linear decline in mortality rates in the state and the capital for the whole population and for women aged 60 and over in the same areas. The polynomial regression models allowed the observation of periods of increasing and decreasing rates and a tendency to stabilization at the end of the period. Despite the declining trend, the magnitude of mortality from breast cancer is still high among women aged 60 and older, and it is important to investigate associated factors in this population group