Data-driven decision-making to improve the diagnosis of cancer patients in the province of Guantanamo: a case study of epidemiological behavior during the year 2019

Abstract

Introduction: cancer is a disease caused by neoplastic cells that multiply uncontrollably, invading other tissues autonomously and at a distance. There are many types of cancer that can be prevented by avoiding certain risk factors. Objective: to describe the epidemiological behavior of patients with cancer diagnosis in Guantanamo province in 2019. Methods: an observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted in patients diagnosed with cancer in the province of Guantánamo, belonging to the country Cuba, during the year 2019. The universe was composed by the 1697 cases reported in that period. The variables age, sex, municipality and main location of the cancer were studied. The primary source of data was the Health Statistical Yearbook of Guantánamo Province. Results: it was observed that the age group older than 60 years had the highest incidence, with 1176 patients, which represents 69,29 %. The male sex was the most representative, with 870 patients, equivalent to 51,26 %. Prostate cancer was the most prevalent cancer in the male population, with 220 patients, representing 25,28 %. Conclusions: cancer is an important health problem for the Guantanamo population, especially in the age group over 60 years old. Male sex has a higher incidence, and prostate, breast and skin cancer are the most frequent in the population studied.