Dados do Resumo

Título

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF MAMMOGRAMS CONDUCTED IN THE STATE OF SÃO PAULO BETWEEN 2019 AND 2023: THE IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON BREAST CANCER SCREENING

Introdução

According to the National Cancer Institute (INCA), excluding non-melanoma skin cancers, breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women. Scientific literature indicates that screening for this condition offers substantial benefits, including a reduction in mortality associated with the disease. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a postponement of public screening programs, including those for breast cancer.

Objetivo

To analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the number of mammograms performed in the State of São Paulo by the Unified Health System (SUS), comparing screening numbers from the years before, during, and after the pandemic period.

Métodos

This cross-sectional ecological study involved analyzing the number of mammograms conducted in São Paulo from 2019 to 2023. Data were collected from the Cancer Information System (SISCAN), provided by the Department of Informatics of the Unified Health System (DATASUS). All notifications within the specified period and category were included, except for data not recorded by DATASUS. Analyzed variables included the year of service, target population, high-risk population (family history), and patients previously treated for breast cancer.

Resultados

From January 2019 to December 2023, a total of 1,567,500 mammograms were performed in São Paulo. In 2019, the total number of mammograms was 486,026. However, in 2020, there was a significant reduction, with only 304,581 mammograms performed. Specifically, in 2020, 281,657 mammograms were conducted in the target population, 10,847 in individuals with a high-risk family history, and 6,015 in patients with previously treated breast cancer. In the following years, 2021 and 2022, the total number of mammograms increased to 415,758 and 465,822, respectively. In 2022, 17,673 mammograms were performed in individuals with a high-risk family history, showing an increase of 6,826 compared to 2020. In 2023, a total of 535,415 mammograms were conducted, with 502,309 directed towards the target population

Conclusões

The pandemic led to delays in public screening programs, including those for breast cancer. This delay may have negatively impacted early diagnosis and treatment, potentially increasing mortality and the need for invasive interventions. These findings underscore the urgency of reinstating and strengthening these programs to mitigate adverse effects and improve clinical outcomes for patients.

Palavras Chave

Breast cancer; Mammography; Pandemic