National Mammography Day: exam is indicated for women from 50 to 69 years old

O National Mammography Day , celebrated this Sunday (5), highlights the importance of the exam for the early detection of breast cancer, one of the main causes of death among women in Brazil. In Brazil, excluding non-melanoma skin tumors, breast cancer is the most common in women in all regions, with higher rates in the South and Southeast regions, according to the National Cancer Institute (Inca).

Data from the Outpatient Information System of the Unified Health System (SUS) reveal that women of all age groups underwent mammography for diagnostic purposes, periodic evaluation of high risk of breast cancer or treatment follow-up. This means that the exam is performed when there is any alteration, sign of injury or symptom that does not follow the normal pattern of the breast or nipple.

The Ministry of Health advises that the screening mammography is indicated for women aged 50 to 69 years, once every two years . Routine exams are periodically performed in women without specific complaints, with the aim of detecting any changes that may indicate the possibility of a disease at an early stage. O breast cancer presents significant treatment and cure success when diagnosed early.

Currently, SUS has more than 2,300 devices of this type in use, in all states of the country. In addition, the SUS offers comprehensive care for the prevention and treatment of breast cancer, in addition to providing guidance to the population about the usual changes in the breasts at different times in the life cycle and the main suspicious signs of the disease. In the last six years, the SUS performed more than 20 million screening mammography exams in women between 50 and 69 years old, according to the ministry.

Signs and symptoms

The most common symptom of breast cancer is a lump (or lump) in the breast, which may or may not be accompanied by pain. It is present in more than 90% of cases of the disease.

According to Inca, not every lump is caused by a breast tumor. Thus, it is important to consult a health professional for analysis.

What is mammography

Mammography is a type of X-ray examination performed in a device called a mammography device, 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 mammary gland tissue is properly spread and any nodules and microcalcifications are revealed and the examination is effective.

The ministry points out that any discomfort during the mammogram is totally bearable and should not be a barrier for women to take the exam.

São Paulo

The Municipal Health Department of São Paulo has 470 Basic Health Units (UBSs), which offer care aimed at women’s health.

Clinical evaluation is carried out by general practitioners and cases that require specialized care are referred to the network’s specialties, as provided for in the Family Health Strategy (ESF) program, adopted by the Ministry of Health as access to primary care in the SUS.

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

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