Beginning of breast cancer treatment for patients seeking care at SUS is more agile

Data from the Ministry of Health, point out that this year, in 99.57% of cases the time between diagnosis and treatment of the initial stage of breast cancer was up to 30 days

Among the symptoms that may be indicative of breast cancer are the appearance of a fixed and usually painless lump in the breast

Oct 7, Health: Having an early diagnosis of breast cancer increases the possibility of less aggressive treatment and cure of the disease. For this reason, the October Pink 2020 campaign seeks to raise awareness of women about the importance of being attentive to prevention and signs of the disease.

It was after a mammogram, while doing routine exams, that the librarian Rosa Maria de Abreu, 58, discovered breast cancer in 2015. She underwent surgery, chemotherapy and today it is cured.

"The fact of having been done through a preventive exam, it was diagnosed very early. It is fundamental for us to have access to treatment. The preventive diagnosis before it is very advanced is wonderful ”, he said. “Do the touch exam that some can detect any change in the breast early on. Everything has to be diagnosed, do not be afraid ”, he warned.

Rosa Maria's testimony was shown during the launch, by the Ministry of Health, of the October Rosa campaign that is celebrated annually.

“The October Pink campaign that comes on television, in your work, that you receive a leaflet, is very important for her to remember to look at herself, to take care of herself, because prevention is still the best medicine”, evaluated Rosa Maria.

Symptoms and Signs

Among the symptoms that may be indicative of breast cancer are the appearance of a fixed and, generally, painless lump in the breast. This is the main manifestation of the disease, present in about 90% of cases, according to the National Cancer Institute (Inca).

Other signs are reddish, retracted or orange peel breast skin, changes in the nipple, small nodules in the armpits or neck and spontaneous discharge of abnormal fluid through the nipples.

These signs and symptoms must be investigated by a doctor to assess the risk of cancer.

Risk factors

Breast cancer does not have only one cause. Age is one of the most important risk factors. About four out of five cases occur after age 50, according to the Inca.

Sedentary lifestyle, alcohol consumption, obesity and family history of breast and ovarian cancer also increase the risk of the disease.

Prevention

According to the Inca, about 30% of breast cancer cases can be prevented by adopting healthy habits such as practising physical activity, having a healthy diet, maintaining adequate body weight, avoiding alcohol consumption and breastfeeding.

Early diagnosis

Breast cancer can be detected in the early stages in most cases. For this, it is important that women do a self-examination that can reveal minor breast changes.

In case the changes remain, they should immediately seek health services for an evaluation.

The Ministry of Health recommends that every two years, screening mammography be offered to women between 50 and 69 years of age, an examination carried out even when there are no suspicious signs or symptoms.

Attendance

SUS offers comprehensive care to the prevention and treatment of breast cancer. Control involves early diagnosis in Primary Health Care and mammographic screening.

Start of treatment

The start of breast cancer treatment for patients seeking care at SUS is more agile. Data presented this Wednesday by the Ministry of Health January and July 2020 show that in 99.57% of the cases treated, the time between diagnosis and treatment of carcinoma in situ, the initial stage of breast cancer, was up to 30 days. In the same period of 2019, this happened in 99.16% of the cases.

In 75.54% of consultations, the time of up to 60 days between diagnosis and treatment in all stages of breast cancer in SUS was respected.