Access to mammographs in the state of Tocantins: a nine-year evaluation

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most common neoplasm in the female population and its occurrence causes great psychological, functional and social impact. In Brazil, the Ministry of Health (MS) recommends screening women aged 50 to 69 years, every two years, through mammography. This work seeks to explore SUS data to understand the extent to which mammography impacts women's health. The study aimed to analyze screening data through mammography in Tocantins. This is a descriptive, cross-sectional epidemiological study between the years 2013 and 2021, through the SUS Information Technology Department (DATASUS), under the “Health Information” icon (TABNET). The selection on the platform was directed to “Epidemiology and Morbidity” and “Mammography”. The following variables were analyzed: year of examination, gender, place of residence, age group and education. The municipalities that performed the most mammograms were, in descending order, Palmas (19,340), Araguaína (9,292), Paraíso do Tocantins (4,989) and Gurupi (4,738). The highest rate of exams was between 50 and 54 years old. The education selection was ignored for most of this period of time, making it impossible to determine whether the delay in starting breast cancer screening through mammograms or even the failure to perform them is justified by a lack of awareness due to a lack of access to information due to their lower education level. In 2021, Tocantins was responsible for a total of 28 deaths due to malignant breast neoplasia. In view of this, understanding the social vulnerabilities related to delays in breast cancer screening is essential to consolidate public policies aimed at women's health.