Cracking the Code: Pioneering Early Detection and Management
of Breast Cancer in the Brazilian Public Healthcare System (SUS)

In 2023, Brazil reported 73,250 new cases of breast cancer. From an economic standpoint, breast cancer poses a significant burden, resulting in substantial productivity losses due to premature deaths among women. Treatment for breast cancer in its early stages is less invasive, more successful, and less costly. Despite national guidelines recommending biennial screenings for women aged 50–69, participation rates remain low, particularly in Brazil's Unified Health System (SUS), the sole healthcare provider for 75% of the population.

The Americas Health Foundation convened a virtual meeting with five Brazilian oncologists to develop a manuscript with recommendations on improving early breast cancer screening within SUS. During the meeting, the panel identified several inequities and challenges within the current breast cancer screening landscape.

The strategic recommendations include improving training, developing organized population-based screening programs, resolving regional inequities, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and raising public awareness. These strategies aim to improve outcomes for women with breast cancer, lower their mortality rates, and lower the economic burden. The document concludes with a call for multifaceted initiatives to optimize resource utilization and enhance women's health nationwide. The resulting manuscript, “Cracking the Code: Pioneering Early Detection and Management of Breast Cancer in the Brazilian Public Healthcare System (SUS)” is under review for publication.

Lead author: Dr. Arn Migowski Rocha dos Santos

Senior author: Dr. André Mattar