RESUMEN
Introduction: Breast cancer is the most common female cancer and the leading cause of cancer death in women around the world. It has repercussions not only on human health, but also on health services due to the high incidence resulting in a large number of consultations and treatments. The disease is responsible for a large demand for hospitalizations throughout Brazil, where an increase in mortality rates is observed and Santa Catarina does not differ from the national scenario. The study aimed to analyze the temporal trend of the breast cancer mortality rate in the state of Santa Catarina from 1996 to 2019 Methods: This is an ecological epidemiological study of time series of breast cancer mortality in the population residing in the state according to age groups and health macro-regions. Data were obtained from the Mortality Information System and the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics. Simple linear regression of standardized mortality rates according to the world standard population was performed. p<0.05 was considered significant. Results: Data showed 9,637 deaths in the period. There was a significant upward trend in mortality in the state (from 6.50 to 7.92/100,000 women). An upward trend was observed in the age groups of 3039 years, 6069 years, and over 80 years. All seven health macro-regions showed an upward trend in mortality. Conclusion:The overall mortality rate from breast cancer in Santa Catarina showed a significant upward trend. A significant increase was also observed in the age groups of 3039 years, 6069 years, and 80 years old or older and in all health macro-regions. Problems in public health infrastructure, lack of control of risk factors and deficiency in mammographic screening are revealed. The elaboration and strengthening of public policies to control the disease are fundamental.