# Rising inflammatory bowel disease and cancer in Brazil > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/rising-inflammatory-bowel-disease-in-brazil > Updated: 2026-09-28T22:44:12.000Z. Sources: 32. Developments: 3. Data from Brazil’s Unified Health System (SUS) indicates a significant increase in the prevalence of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Between 2012 and 2025, the incidence rose from 30 to 158 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Researchers suggest this rise may be driven by multifactorial causes, including genetic predispositions and environmental factors like the consumption of ultra-processed foods. While some experts suggest the increase may reflect improved clinical tracking and identification, the growing numbers highlight an increasing demand for specialized medical teams, diagnostic exams, and continuous treatment. Projections indicate that prevalence could reach 264 cases per 100,000 inhabitants by 2035. Recent reports from the 74th Brazilian Congress of Coloproctology suggest these conditions may become major public health issues by 2040. In addition to IBD, health experts are warning of rising trends in digestive cancers. Oncological surgeon Alexandre Menezes noted an increase in digestive cancer cases among individuals under 40, citing sedentary behavior and the consumption of ultra-processed foods as primary drivers. He emphasized that early detection through screenings, such as colonoscopies, can lead to cure rates approaching 100%. In response to these challenges, the advocacy group DII Brasil is marking 10 years of work toward improving public policies. A significant development includes the enactment of Law No. 15.138/2025, which provides institutional recognition for requirements regarding early diagnosis and assistance measures for patients. By late 2026, health authorities in Brazil and Portugal continued to warn of rising cancer and inflammatory disease rates. In Brazil, the National Cancer Institute (INCA) estimated significant new cases of breast and digestive cancers for the 2026-2028 period. To improve early detection, the National Supplementary Health Agency (ANS) has mandated digital mammography coverage for high-risk women under 40. ## Claims - More than 10,700 new cases of colorectal cancer were estimated to be diagnosed in Portugal in 2024. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Portugal has the highest incidence and rates of stomach cancer in Western Europe. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Early identification of digestive tumors can lead to cure rates approaching 100%. (single source) - Sedentary lifestyles and diets based on industrialized products are contributing to rising digestive cancer rates in younger people. (single source) - The number of people with inflammatory bowel diseases in Brazil grew fivefold between 2012 and 2025. (single source) - Inflammatory bowel disease cases in Brazil rose from 30 to 158 per 100,000 inhabitants. (single source) - Ultra-processed foods are identified as elements that induce inflammatory processes. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-28: Brazil and Portugal health experts warn of rising cancer rates Health experts in Brazil and Portugal emphasize the importance of early cancer detection as digestive and breast cancer rates remain high, supported by new screening mandates and awareness campaigns. 18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/digestive-cancer-and-inflammatory-diseases-rise-due-to-lifestyle-changes ### 2026-09-28: Brazil sees rise in inflammatory bowel disease prevalence IBD prevalence in Brazil has risen from 30 to 158 cases per 100,000 inhabitants according to SUS data, prompting calls for better clinical management and continued advocacy by DII Brasil. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-sees-rise-in-inflammatory-bowel-disease-prevalence ### 2026-09-25: Brazil sees fivefold increase in inflammatory bowel disease cases Inflammatory bowel disease incidence in Brazil grew fivefold between 2012 and 2025, rising from 30 to 158 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, according to a new study presented at a national coloproctology congress. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-sees-fivefold-rise-in-inflammatory-bowel-disease-cases --- Cite as: Rising inflammatory bowel disease and cancer in Brazil. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/rising-inflammatory-bowel-disease-in-brazil