Brazil reports higher leukemia rates in men and expands HPV vaccination in Rio

In the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul, recent data from the National Cancer Institute (INCA) show that men have a 20% higher incidence of leukemia than women, with estimated rates of 7.36 cases per 100,000 men compared with 5.25 per 100,000 women. Health experts stress the importance of routine blood tests for early detection and monitoring of the disease.

The Rio de Janeiro municipal health department, in partnership with INCA and pharmaceutical company MSD Brazil, conducted an HPV vaccination drive at INCA 3 targeting women who have undergone treatment for high‑grade cervical lesions (NIC 2, NIC 3 and adenocarcinoma in situ). The campaign aims to reduce recurrence of these lesions and strengthen secondary prevention of cervical cancer. The vaccine is now offered in 243 vaccination sites across the city, extending the public‑health programme that already covers adolescents and other high‑risk groups.