Radiologists praise the government's decision to expand access to mammography for women over 40
The Brazilian College of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging (CBR) celebrates the Ministry of Health's decision to guarantee access to mammography in the Unified Health System (SUS) for women aged 40 to 49, even without signs or symptoms of cancer.
This measure, announced this Tuesday (23), meets a historic request from the CBR that was already defended with the Government. With the change, the right to early cancer prevention is recognized for an age group that accounts for a significant percentage of cases of the disease, increasing the chances of cure for cases of confirmed diagnosis.
The Ministry of Health's recommendation for women over 40 is that the test be done on demand, in conjunction with a healthcare professional, after being informed about the benefits and disadvantages of screening.
Another measure announced by the government is the increase in the age range for active screening, requiring a mammogram as a preventative measure every two years. The age limit, which was previously 69, will now be raised to 74.
The CBR recognizes the Government's efforts in responding to the requests of patients and specialized medical entities and informs that it will monitor the implementation of this proposal, supporting and carrying out the training and certification of specialists who conduct and evaluate mammograms to ensure the quality of care for the target population of this policy.
Sao Paulo, September 24, 2025.
Brazilian College of Radiology and Imaging Diagnosis