Summary
Mammograms are essential for the early detection of breast cancer and Pink October has helped raise awareness and encourage women to undergo preventative screening.
Breast cancer, for a long time, has been surrounded by stigma and silence. Talking about the disease was taboo, both in Brazil and around the world. Women avoided discussing the topic and, consequently, did not seek preventive tests essential for early diagnosis. But this scenario has changed. Data from the Institute for Research and Study of Diagnostic Imaging (FIDI) Foundation show that the volume of mammography exams increased by 106% from 2018 to 2023. There is a greater percentage of women between 50 and 60 years old who are more busy performing mammography.
This increase is mainly due to Pink October, one of the most important campaigns for women’s preventive health. With the aim of raising awareness about breast cancer, the action highlights the importance of prevention and early diagnosis, especially through mammography.
Despite the progress, the significant increase in breast cancer cases has alerted experts. According to the National Cancer Institute (INCA), breast cancer is the most common type among women in Brazil and around the world. In Brazil alone, there are an estimated 74 thousand new cases per year, which makes screening and early diagnosis essential to reduce mortality. The state of Sao Paulo represents the highest number of breast cancer cases, with an estimated 20,470 thousand cases in 2023 alone.
“Mammography was seen as a painful test and surrounded by myths. Many women were afraid to undergo treatment due to lack of information and fear of diagnosis. Furthermore, the lack of resources and equipment in public hospitals has limited access to the test, especially in the most remote regions of the country, but today this scenario has changed significantly. Awareness campaigns like Pink October are gaining momentum in Brazil, helping to break down these taboos and encouraging more women to take the preventive exam,” says Vivian Milani, radiologist specializing in breast care at FIDI.
Mammography represented an important milestone in women’s health in Brazil, especially after the implementation of the Mammography Law in 2008. This legislation guaranteed women’s right to undergo free mammograms through the Unified Health System (SUS), revolutionizing the how breast cancer is treated cancer is addressed in the country.
Before this finding, mammography was not widely accessible and the lack of screening contributed to late diagnoses, often in advanced stages of the disease, which made treatment difficult and reduced the chances of recovery.
Mammography, considered the primary method for early diagnosis, can identify cancers in their early stages, even before physical symptoms are noticed, significantly increasing the chances of recovery. Technological advances in diagnostic imaging and the strengthening of screening programs have been an example of effective public policies. At FIDI, more than 120,000 mammograms were performed in 2024 alone.
“Even in the face of a positive impact linked to the growing search for early diagnosis, many women still do not regularly undergo mammography, either due to misinformation or due to difficulties in accessing the healthcare system”, explains Vivian Milani.
October Pink therefore reminds us not only of the importance of the exam, but also of the need to continue fighting for greater equality in health. Prevention is the key to changing the history of breast cancer in Brazil and mammography is one of the most powerful tools in this process.
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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.
