Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer affecting women worldwide. In 2020, 2.3 million cases were recorded worldwide, equivalent to 24.51% of all types of neoplasms diagnosed among women, according to the National Cancer Institute (INCA). Therefore, prevention is very important to combat the disease.
However, in Brazil, breast cancer is the second most common type of tumor affecting women, behind only non-melanoma skin tumors. According to INCA figures, approximately 66,280 new cases of breast cancer were identified in Brazil in 2022.
In order to help with prevention, the Mammography Commission of the Brazilian College of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging (CBR) recommends that women over 40 years of age have a mammogram annually as a method of screening for breast cancer.
Mammography Data in 2021 (Most updated data)
In 2021 alone, the SUS performed 3,497,439 mammograms throughout Brazil. The region that performed the most exams was the southeast, with 1,715,659. Followed by the northeast regions with (842,048); south (660,992); central-west (158,050) and north (120,689). The age group with the most exams performed was 50 to 69 years old, in total there were 2,054,881 patients, according to data from the Ministry of Health, published in September 2022.
The exam is considered preventive, as it serves to identify whether the tumor exists and allows treatment to begin as soon as possible if it is positive. Mammography is even more important, because often the tumor may be in the body but not show any symptoms. When the exam detects cancer early, the chances of a cure and less invasive treatments are greater.
ultrasound
After a mammogram, other tests are necessary when indicated. This is the case of a breast ultrasound, which complements the first exam. Ultrasound helps identify small lesions and diagnose breast cancer. However, this exam does not replace a mammogram, it only complements it.
It is worth mentioning that the opinion issued this year (2023) by the National Mammography Commission, of the Brazilian College of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging (CBR), together with the Brazilian Society of Mastology (SBM) and the Brazilian Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Associations (FEBRASGO), emphasizes that the clinical examination of the breasts can be part of the evaluation during the breast ultrasound examination, aiding in the early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer.
Cause of breast cancer
There is not just one cause for the development of breast cancer. Several factors can be linked to breast cancer, such as: reproductive history, age, behavioral factors, endocrine, environmental, genetic and hereditary factors.
Symptoms and signs of breast cancer
Small nodules in the breast and armpit region, redness of the skin in the breast region, watery or bloody discharge from the nipple, skin and nipple retractions that give the breast an orange peel appearance.
Access the full opinion of the National Mammography Commission, of the Brazilian College of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging (CBR), together with the Brazilian Society of Mastology (SBM) and the Brazilian Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Associations (FEBRASGO), on 'Clinical examination of the breasts and breast ultrasound'.