SCREENING MAMMOGRAMS IN THE UNIFIED HEALTH SYSTEM: INCIDENCE IN WOMEN AGED 50 TO 69

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most prevalent type of malignant neoplasm among women in Brazil and has the highest mortality rate. Screening mammograms are recommended by the Ministry of Health to be carried out every two years in the 50-69 age group. According to the World Health Organization the estimated rate for this exam is 70%, while the Ministry of Health determines 50%, however, these figures are not being reached in the country. The aim of this article was to assess the incidence of screening mammography in Brazil from 2019 to 2023. This is a narrative review of the literature, based on a quantitative but also qualitative analysis. The searches were carried out in the BVS Saúde and Google Scholar databases, using the descriptors “Mammography”, “Incidence" and “Breast Neoplasms”, covering articles written in Portuguese. According to the results, states with low mammography rates face failures in breast cancer treatment, with delays of more than 60 days. Only four states (Paraná, Piauí, Sergipe and Espírito Santo) met this deadline, highlighting the urgent need for effective public policies to guarantee timely treatment. Therefore, breast cancer control in Brazil has advanced in the SUS, especially through mammography, which is essential for prevention and reducing mortality. However, regional inequalities persist in access to the test, indicating the need for policies that expand coverage and strengthen primary care.