Why is breast cancer early detection important?

Abstract

EDITORIALO n June 15 of the current year, the Brazilian Society of Mastology -Rio de Janeiro Region (SBM/RJ) promoted a discussion on public health policies in breast cancer at the VII International Symposium on Mastology -Rio (SIM Rio). There was a seminar addressing the barriers and strategies for the implementation of the guidelines for the early detection of breast cancer in Brazil.Strategies for the early detection of breast cancer and rapid access to treatment were discussed. Such factors are essential for the decrease in mortality and the increase in breast cancer survival rates. The event allowed for democratic participation, ensuring transparency and promoting learning opportunities for both interest groups and the audience, with the use of evidence-based knowledge.The event was attended by managers from all government levels, supporters from breast cancer-related technical areas, researchers interested in the translation processes of scientific knowledge, and the Brazilian and international civil society. Decisions considered urgent were exposed through common dialogue and points of convergence, transcending conflicts of interest. These decisions represent direct contributions to assist public health policies in breast cancer not only in Rio de Janeiro, but in the whole country.With this meeting, the SBM/RJ achieved its main objective, which was to promote integration and to show that together, we can develop outstanding and quality work. This quality is an attribute to be always sought in an organized, collective and synergistic way, unlike what is observed in the daily life of health services, in which individuals do what they consider most appropriate, but without the desired result.We have to strive to do the right thing at the right time and in the right way. Our actions are not to be seen as a punctual obligation or the fulfilling of a meaningless requirement. In relation to the seminar on barriers and strategies to implement the guidelines for the early detection of breast cancer in Brazil, I present the following considerations:Early detection of breast cancer requires the early diagnosis in women with symptoms of the disease and, in addition, may include screening asymptomatic women. Both efforts should consider the cultural context of the community in question, the resources available to support the program and the sustainability of those efforts over time 1 . Effective early detection programs may lead to decreased staging, which increases the proportion of breast cancers detected at an early stage, when treatment is most effective 1 . Noncommunicable diseases, such as cancer, are overcoming infectious diseases as one of the most pressing health care threats in low -and middle-income countries 2 . By 2025, 59% of all new cancer cases and 68% of deaths caused by cancer will occur in these countries 3 . Consequently, local health systems are struggling to respond to this change in this scenario 4 . Breast cancer represents a major public health problem in the world and in Brazil. In 2015, it w...

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“…It was observed that patients and health professionals from the Andaraí family clinic have difficulty in identifying risk factors and specific actions related to breast health. In practice, the engagement of breast cancer specialists in primary health care is necessary to optimize the training of health professionals and patients 25 .…”

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