Only ¼ of Brazilian women had a mammogram in 2022. Examination is the main way to diagnose breast cancer
Pink October has come to an end and now health campaigns focus on Blue November and prostate cancer awareness. However, this does not mean that prevention is over. After all, breast cancer is responsible for the deaths of thousands of Brazilian women every year.
According to estimates by the National Cancer Institute (Inca), 66,280 new cases have been estimated for 2022. This represents a risk of 61.61 cases per 100,000 women. Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) points out that 2.3 million women were diagnosed with the disease in 2020, with 685,000 deaths worldwide.
Importance of early diagnosis
A large part of the risk factors for breast cancer are bad habits, such as poor diet, physical inactivity and drug use, for example. However, genetic, hormonal and immunological conditions can also influence the onset of the disease. This is why monitoring and early diagnosis are so important.
This way it is possible to identify and treat the disease before it turns into more serious conditions. After all, the earlier breast cancer is diagnosed, the more effective the treatment will be. However, mammography performance – the leading breast cancer screening test – suffered a significant drop during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The drop in the number of mammograms worries experts
According to data from the SIA (Ministry of Health Outpatient Information System), the number of examinations carried out in the public network in 2020 was 20% lower than in 2019. In the private system, the IESS (Instituto de Estudos de Saúde Suplementar)) , indicates a 28% decline in mammograms performed by health plan beneficiaries.
“The downward trend in mammogram performance in recent years has sparked a worrying warning sign. Especially since, in parallel, there has been an increase in the number of complications deaths from breast cancer in virtually all age groups.” , evaluates José Cechin, superintendent of the IESS.
A survey conducted by the Brazilian Society of Mastologists (SBM) found that the number of mammograms performed in 2022 reached the pre-pandemic level, but this total is still below that recommended by the WHO (70% of national coverage ). In all, 1,108,249 mammograms were performed through the public system from January to July 2022 on Brazilian women between the ages of 50 and 69. This number represents only a quarter of the projected total.
The best way to detect breast cancer early
The Ministry of Health’s recommendation is that mammograms should be performed by women between the ages of 50 and 69 every two years. However, it is essential for women of all ages to have annual consultations with a gynecologist to assess breast cancer screening needs. In addition, self-examination should also be done frequently.
“Start by making an observation in front of the mirror, raise and lower your arms and then place your hands on your waist to check for any visual changes. The second step can be done standing or lying down, many women like to do it themselves – examination during the bathroom. With your arm behind your neck, palpate your breasts and armpits with the opposite hand and gently squeeze your nipples. Watch for secretions. Repeat the process on the other breast, “recommends Dr. . Juliana De Biagi, gynecologist, obstetrician and teacher at Mackenzie.
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Source: Terra
Benjamin Smith is a fashion journalist and author at Gossipify, known for his coverage of the latest fashion trends and industry insights. He writes about clothing, shoes, accessories, and runway shows, providing in-depth analysis and unique perspectives. He’s respected for his ability to spot emerging designers and trends, and for providing practical fashion advice to readers.
