The decision is published today in the Official Journal
The Ministry of Health has incorporated into the Unified Health System (SUS) a test for the detection of HPV in women, classified by the Ministry itself as innovative. The technology uses molecular tests to detect the virus and detect cervical cancer. The ordinance was published this Friday (8) in Official Journal of the Union.
In a note, the Ministry reported, in Brasilia, that it has invested R$ 18 million in a pilot project that will use the test throughout 2023 in Pernambuco.
“The decision to implement the strategy for use throughout the national territory is a victory for women, since, in addition to being an effective technology for early diagnosis, it brings the advantage of increasing the interval between which the test is carried out. ‘examination”, explains the note.
According to the Ministry of Health, while the current form of HPV screening, through the examination popularly known as Pap test, must be carried out every three years and, in case of detection of any lesion, annually, the tests proposed by the technology incorporated it is recommended to carry out this every five years. “This change brings better adherence and facilitates access to the exam.”
Understand
HPV is currently considered the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide and the leading cause of cervical cancer. According to ministry estimates, around 17,000 women are diagnosed with the disease in Brazil every year.
Although it is a preventable disease, it remains the fourth most common type of cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer death among women, especially women who are black, poor and have low levels of formal education.
“Although prevention alternatives are offered – whether through HPV vaccination, condom use during sexual intercourse, and screening for early detection – the disease remains a leading cause of cancer death among women of childbearing age in Brazil. In the northern region of the country, for example, this is the main cause of death among women”, underlines the ministry.
Test
Recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), the HPV test is considered the gold standard for detecting cases of cervical cancer and is part of the strategies proposed by the body to eliminate the disease as a public health problem by 2030.
The integration of the test into the public network was evaluated by the National Commission for the Integration of Technologies in the Unified Health System (Conitec), which deemed the technology more precise than that currently offered by the SUS.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
