Objective:

To analyze the utilization of hospital services for cancer care by location, sex, age group and care institution in Mexico from 2004-2013.

Materials and methods:

Time series study from 2004-2013, based on administrative records of hospital discharges for cancer in the health sector, including the private sector.

Results:

The utilization rate increased significantly from 290 to 360 per 100 000 inhabitants. A total of 62% of hospital discharges related to malignant tumors were concentrated in eight types of cancer. Leukemia, breast and colorectal cancers almost doubled in the period. While lung cancer showed a decline among men, it increased among women. A total of 63.1% of cancer patients were women, and 81% of cases occurred in the public sector. From 2011, the Ministry of Health was the main provider of hospital services for cancer care.

Conclusions:

Increases in utilization were mainly found in the Ministry of Health, quite possibly as a result of the implementation of universal insurance.

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