exam is indicated for women from 50 to 69 years old

EITHER National Mammography Day, held this Sunday (5), highlights the importance of the test for early detection of breast cancer, one of the main causes of death among women in Brazil. Not Brazil, excluding non-melanoma skin tumors, or breast cancer is the most incident in women from all regions, with higher rates in the South and Southeast regions, according to the National Cancer Institute (Inca).

Data from the Sistema de Informações Ambulatoriais do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) reveal that women of all age groups will undergo mammography for diagnostic purposes, periodic evaluation of high risk of breast cancer or treatment follow-up. This means that the exam is done when there is some alteration, sign of injury or symptom that does not follow the normal pattern of the mother or the baby.

The Health Ministry advises that screening mammography is indicated for women 50 to 69 years of age, once every two years. The routine exam is performed periodically in women without specific complaints, in order to detect early any alteration that may indicate the possibility of some disease. EITHER breast cancer It presents a significant success of treatment and cure when diagnosed early.

Currently, SUS has more than 2.3 thousand pieces of equipment of this type in use, in all the states of the country. In addition, ITS offers comprehensive care for the prevention and treatment of breast cancer, in addition to guiding the population on habitual changes of breasts at different moments of the life cycle and main sinais suspeitos of breast cancer. In the last six years, SUS has performed more than 20 million screening mammography exams in women between 50 and 69 years of age, second or ministerial.

Sinais and symptoms

The most common symptom of breast cancer is an unknown lump (or nodule), which can be accompanied or not by pain. He is present in more than 90% of the cases of the doença.

According to the Inca, not all of it is caused by a breast tumor. Likewise, it is important to consult a health professional for analysis.

What is a mammogram?

A mammogram is a type of X-ray exam performed on a device called a mammograph, which compresses the breast and generates high-quality images capable of revealing the existence of early signs of cancer.

Compression of the breast is necessary so that the tissue of the mammary gland is adequately supported and any nodules and microcalcifications are revealed and the examination is effective.

The ministry emphasizes that eventual discomfort during the mammography is fully bearable and should not be a barrier for women to face the exam.

Sao Paulo

The São Paulo Municipal Health Department has 470 Basic Health Units (UBSs), which offer health care for women.

The clinical evaluation is carried out by general practitioners and the cases that need specialized attention are forwarded to the network’s specialties, as foreseen by the Family Health Strategy (ESF) program, approved by the Ministry of Health as access to primary care in SUS.

The program units have general practitioners and nurses trained to meet gynecological demands, including mammography exam requests, in addition to performing the first evaluation of exam results and redirecting to a specialist, if necessary.

“The care policy for women must take place during all phases of life, regardless of the age group and the population group to which she belongs, extending to all levels of care: from low to high complexity, promoting better life , expanding the means and services of municipal health and reducing female mortality in SUS”, highlights Sônia Raquel Leal, coordinator of the Women’s Health Technical Area.