MICRO-PROGRAM FOR SCREENING BREAST CANCER IN POPULATION OF THE SOUTH CAPIXABA REGION - 5 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

Introduction: Mammographic screening allowed mortality reduction of up to 18% in women aged 40 to 50 years, exceeding30% after 50 years, so it is recommended by the National Cancer Institute (INCA), because the cost-benefit ratio is most favorable in this population. The widespread dissemination by the media of the importance of early diagnosis changed the concept that lack of awareness and fear of cancer were responsible for the large number of women with advanced tumors in Brazil. We currently have difficulty accessing exams and referral centers. Objective: To facilitate the population’s access to screening tests for breast cancer and the reference center for cancer treatment in the southern region of Espírito Santo. Method: Screening women following INCA screening guidelines - age over 50 years and have not had a mammogram for more than one year; partnership between the Reference Center for Oncologic Treatment of the South Capixaba Region, which provided a multidisciplinary medical team and a financial institution that provided additional exams and procedures. Results: From 2014 to 2018, women were screened for the release of the exams and contemplated those who met the criteria established by INCA. The annual actions followed an action plan, with three previously defined moments: (1) screening for the release of mammographic examination associated with the medical lecture on breast cancer; (2) performance of examinations; (3) medical consultation with clinical breast examination, delivery of results and necessary referrals. 1989 women were screened and 522 mammograms were released with: 48 birads 0; 151 birads 1; 310 birads 2; 10 birads 3; 3 birads 4 and no birads 5. Sixty-six supplementary ultrasounds (62 single breast ultrasound and 4 magnified ultrasound) and 8 PAAF or surgical biopsies were required. During the actions, three cases of breast cancer were diagnosed in which the patients underwent oncological examinations and treatment with surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Conclusion: Brazil is unable to implement effective mammographic screening due to the lack of economic resources to perform the exams and, especially, the infrastructure for the investigational continuity of the lesions. Performing a small coverage in the target population were identified three cases of cancer, which required further investigation, demonstrating the need for this access.

Publication History

Article published online:
23 October 2019