CHARACTERIZATION OF CASES AND DEATHS IN PATIENTS WITH VULVAR CANCER AMONG WOMEN AFFILIATED WITH ESSALUD, PERU, 2022

Introduction: Vulvar cancer is a neoplasm with relevant clinical and public health impact. Objective: To describe the epidemiological characteristics of vulvar cancer among women affiliated with EsSalud, Peru, during 2022. Methods: An observational, descriptive, and retrospective study was conducted based on a secondary analysis of EsSalud administrative records. Total and new cases were dened using electronic health records from the 2019–2022 period. Frequencies, crude rates per 100,000 women, age-standardized rates using the World Health Organization standard population, and 95% condence intervals were calculated. Results: In 2022, EsSalud covered 6,173,831 women. A total of 414 cases, 236 new cases, and 27 all-cause deaths among patients diagnosed with vulvar cancer were identi ed, with national crude rates of 6.71, 3.82, and 0.44 per 100,000 women, respectively. The highest rates were observed in older age groups, and 24 of 27 deaths occurred in women aged 70 years or older. Lima concentrated the highest number of cases and deaths. Lambayeque, Madre de Dios, and Cajamarca showed the highest crude rates of total cases, new cases, and mortality, respectively, while Loreto had the highest age-standardized rates of total and new cases. Conclusions: Vulvar cancer in EsSalud showed a low absolute burden, but with clinically relevant regional and age-related differences. These ndings support strengthening early detection, referral, and diagnostic and therapeutic capacity in vulnerable regions.