ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To estimate the coverage of newborn pulse oximetry screening (POS) in Brazil, as well as identifies associated factors and the proportion of positive screening results. METHODS: Coverage was estimated based on the most recent National Health Survey (2019). Adjusted marginal prevalence ratios were estimated via poisson regression model with robust variance. RESULTS: The POS coverage was 66.3 % (95 %CI: 65.5-67.1; N = 3,140,023) and was higher in children born in privately funded hospitals (PFHs) than in the Unified Health System (SUS): 78.1 % (76.7-79.5) versus 61.1 % (60.2-62.1). In the North region, the POS coverage in PFHs (64.9 %, 59.7-70.1) was lower than that in the South (82.5 %, 79.4-85.6) and the Southeast (81.5 %, 79.3-83.6); it was even lower in SUS in the North (44.0 %; 42.4-45.6). After a federal ordinance providing financial resources to postscreening diagnostic, the screening coverage in SUS increased from 57.6 % (56.2-59.1) to 64.6 % (63.3-65.9). The proportion of positive screening tests was 9.2 % (8.9-9.5) in SUS and 7.8 % (7.3-8.3) in PFHs, of which 40.8 % (40.5-41.1) underwent complementary exams in SUS and 57.2 % (56.7-57.7) in PFHs. In the multivariate model, the main independent predictors of POS were the coverage of other newborn screening tests. CONCLUSIONS: Inequalities were found between major regions and healthcare systems. Government financial incentives have reduced this inequality, although the percentage of postscreening complementary exams remains insufficient and unequal. The main independent predictors of screening prevalence were those related to the organization of health services.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Digital rectal examination (DRE) is one of the most common strategies for prostate cancer early detection. However, the use for screening purposes has a controversial benefit and potential harms can occur due to false-positive results, overdiagnosis and overtreatment. The objective of this study is to calculate the prevalence and identify factors associated with the receipt of DRE in Brazilian men. METHODS: We selected men older than 40 from a nationwide population-based survey (13,625 individuals) excluding those with prostate cancer diagnosis. Information was extracted from the most recent database of the Brazilian National Health Survey (PNS 2013). Statistical analysis was carried out to calculate incidence rate ratios, with 95% confidence intervals and p values, through multivariate analysis with Poisson regression and robust variance. RESULTS: Men having private health insurance (63.3%; CI = 60.5-66.0) presented higher prevalence of DRE than those in the public health system (41.6%; CI = 39.8-43.4). The results show a positive association between DRE and men having private health insurance, aged 60-69, living with a spouse, never smokers, and living in urban areas. Among public health services users, this positive association was observed among men aged 70-79, living with a spouse, having bad/very bad health self-perception, abstainers, ex-smokers, with undergraduate studies, presenting four or more comorbidities, and residing in urban areas. CONCLUSIONS: Prostate cancer screening with DRE is quite frequent in Brazil, specially among men with private health plans and better access to health services, healthier lifestyle and at more advanced ages, characteristics which increase the risk of overdiagnosis and overtreatment.
Subject(s)
Digital Rectal Examination/statistics & numerical data , Early Detection of Cancer/methods , Prostatic Neoplasms/diagnosis , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Brazil , Cross-Sectional Studies , Humans , Insurance, Health/statistics & numerical data , Male , Middle AgedABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Heart valve surgery outcomes are unknown in middle-income countries and thus cannot be used in health system decision making processes. This study estimated in-hospital mortality and medium and long-term survival. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 78,806 patients who underwent heart valve surgery between 2001 and 2007 in Brazil. Two national databases were used, the Hospital Information System and the Mortality Information System. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and log-rank tests were performed. Maximum and median follow-up was 7.7 and 2.8 years, respectively (0.002-7.707). RESULTS: Valve replacement accounted for 69.1% of procedures performed. Mitral stenosis, the most common valve injury, represented 38.9% of the total. In 94.7% of mitral stenosis patients, aetiology was rheumatic heart disease. In-hospital mortality was 7.6% and was higher for women, for patients who had undergone concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and for the elderly. Overall survival was 69.9% at the end of follow-up. Survival was worst among elderly, male and concomitant CABG patients (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Rheumatic heart disease is still a major public health problem in Brazil. In-hospital mortality and global survival rates of patients who have undergone heart valve surgery were less satisfactory than those reported in high-income countries. The findings of this study can contribute to guiding decision making processes in middle-income countries similar to Brazil and others concerned with improving the quality of care.
Subject(s)
Cardiac Surgical Procedures , Heart Valve Diseases/surgery , Heart Valves/surgery , Rheumatic Heart Disease/surgery , Adult , Age Factors , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Brazil/epidemiology , Cardiac Surgical Procedures/adverse effects , Cardiac Surgical Procedures/mortality , Comorbidity , Coronary Artery Bypass/adverse effects , Coronary Artery Bypass/mortality , Coronary Artery Disease/mortality , Coronary Artery Disease/surgery , Female , Health Care Surveys , Heart Valve Diseases/diagnosis , Heart Valve Diseases/mortality , Hospital Mortality , Humans , Kaplan-Meier Estimate , Male , Middle Aged , Proportional Hazards Models , Retrospective Studies , Rheumatic Heart Disease/diagnosis , Rheumatic Heart Disease/mortality , Risk Factors , Sex Factors , Time Factors , Treatment Outcome , Young AdultABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The efficacy of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) and cardiac resynchronization therapy-defibrillator (CRT-D) therapy has already been established in clinical trials but their effectiveness in several clinical settings remains undetermined. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of ICD and CRT-D therapies within the Brazilian National Health System (SUS). METHODS: All patients who underwent ICD or CRT-D implantation within the SUS from 2001 to 2007 were included in the study. We compared estimated Kaplan-Meier survival curves using the Peto's test. Prognostic factors were selected using Cox's models. RESULTS: There were included 3,295 patients in the ICD group and 681 patients in the CRT-D group. Cardiac causes accounted for 79% of all deaths in both groups and Chagas' heart disease accounted for 31% of these deaths. In the CRT-D group, survival significantly decreased around the fourth year of follow-up, with a decrease from 59.5% to 38.3% in 5.5 months. Transvenous implantation technique was used in 62% of CRT-D patients. In-hospital case-fatality rates were higher in those undergoing surgical implantation (5.3%) than those undergoing transvenous implantation (1.6%) (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The results show that short-term, medium-term and long-term effectiveness of ICD therapy appears to be similar to that evidenced in clinical trials. In the CRT-D group, in-hospital case-fatality and 30-day case-fatality were higher than those reported in other studies. Surgical epicardial implantation technique was performed in this group at a higher frequency than that reported in the literature and was associated with poorer short-term prognosis.
Subject(s)
Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy , Cardiomyopathies/therapy , Cardiovascular Diseases/therapy , Defibrillators, Implantable , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Brazil/epidemiology , Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy/methods , Cardiomyopathies/mortality , Cardiovascular Diseases/mortality , Cause of Death , Chagas Cardiomyopathy/mortality , Chagas Cardiomyopathy/therapy , Child , Follow-Up Studies , Hospital Mortality , Humans , Kaplan-Meier Estimate , Male , Middle Aged , Proportional Hazards Models , Young AdultABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: In the absence of evidence on the effect of mammographic screening on overall mortality, comparing the number of deaths avoided with the number of deaths caused by screening would be ideal, but the only existing models of this type adopt a very narrow definition of harms. The objective of the present study was to estimate the number of deaths prevented and induced by various mammography screening protocols in Brazil. METHODS: A simulation study of cohorts of Brazilian women screened, considering various age groups and screening interval protocols, was performed based on life tables. The number of deaths avoided and caused by screening was estimated, as was the absolute risk reduction, the number needed to invite for screening-NNS, the net benefit of screening, and the ratio of "lives saved" to "lives lost". Nine possible combinations of balances between benefits and harms were performed for each protocol, in addition to other sensitivity analyses. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The most efficient protocol was biennial screening from 60 to 69 years of age, with almost three times more deaths avoided than biennial screening from 50 to 59 years of age, with a similar number of deaths avoided by biennial screening from 50 to 69 years of age and with the greatest net benefit. Compared with the best scenario of annual screening from 40 to 49 years of age, the NNS of the protocol with biennial screening from 60 to 69 years of age was three-fold lower. Even in its best scenario, the addition of annual screening from 40 to 49 years of age to biennial screening from 50 to 69 years of age results in a decreased net benefit. However, even in the 50-69 year age group, the estimated reduction in breast cancer mortality for Brazil was half that estimated for the United Kingdom.
Subject(s)
Breast Neoplasms , Female , Humans , Middle Aged , Aged , Breast Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Brazil/epidemiology , Early Detection of Cancer/adverse effects , Early Detection of Cancer/methods , Mammography/adverse effects , Mammography/methods , Breast , Mass Screening/methodsABSTRACT
Early detection is a major strategy in breast cancer control and, for this reason, it is important to ensure access to investigation of suspected cases for care continuity and timely treatment. This study aimed to estimate the need for procedures of breast cancer early detection and assess their adequacy for providing care to screened and symptomatic women in the Brazilian Unified National Health System (SUS) in 2019. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to analyze the provision of tests for breast cancer early detection, comparing the estimated need with the procedures performed in the SUS. Parameters provided by the Brazilian National Cancer Institute were used to estimate the population and the need for early detection tests. The number of procedures performed in 2019 was obtained from the Outpatient Information System of the SUS. A deficit in screening mammograms was observed in the country (-45.1%), ranging from -31.4% in the South Region to -70.5 % in the North Region. If this test was offered to the target population, the deficit in the country would reduce to -14.8% and there would be an oversupply in the South Region (6.2%). Diagnostic investigation procedures varied between the regions, with higher deficits in coarse needle biopsy (-90.8%) and breast lump biopsy/excision (-80.6%) observed in the Central-West Region, and the highest deficit in anatomopathological exams in the North Region (-88.5%). The comparison between the production and need for procedures of breast cancer early detection in Brazil and its regions identified deficits and inadequacies that must be better understood and addressed at the state and municipal levels.
A detecção precoce é uma das estratégias para o controle do câncer de mama e, para tanto, é fundamental garantir o acesso à investigação dos casos suspeitos para continuidade do cuidado e tratamento oportuno. Este estudo tem por objetivo estimar a necessidade de procedimentos para detecção precoce dessa neoplasia e avaliar a sua adequação no atendimento às mulheres rastreadas e sintomáticas no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), no ano de 2019. Foi realizado um estudo descritivo transversal para analisar a oferta de exames de detecção precoce do câncer de mama, comparando a necessidade estimada com os procedimentos realizados no SUS. Foram utilizados os parâmetros disponibilizados pelo Instituto Nacional de Câncer para estimar a população e a necessidade de exames para a detecção precoce. No Sistema de Informações Ambulatoriais do SUS, obteve-se o número de procedimentos realizados em 2019. Observou-se um déficit de mamografias de rastreamento no país (-45,1%), variando entre -31,4% na Região Sul a -70,5% na Região Norte. Se a oferta desse exame fosse direcionada para a população-alvo do rastreamento, o déficit no país reduziria para -14,8% e haveria sobreoferta no Sul (6,2%). Os procedimentos de investigação diagnóstica apresentaram variações entre as regiões, com maiores déficits de punção por agulha grossa (-90,8%) e biópsia/exérese de nódulo da mama (-80,6%) observados no Centro-oeste, e o maior déficit de exames anatomopatológicos no Norte (-88,5%). A comparação entre a produção e a necessidade de procedimentos para detecção precoce do câncer de mama no Brasil identificou déficits e inadequações que devem ser melhor conhecidos e equacionados em nível estadual e municipal.
La detección temprana es una de las estrategias para el control del cáncer de mama y, para ello, es fundamental garantizar el acceso a la investigación de los casos sospechosos para la continuidad del cuidado y el tratamiento oportuno. El presente estudio tiene como objetivo estimar la necesidad de procedimientos para la detección temprana de esta neoplasia y evaluar su adecuación en la atención a las mujeres rastreadas y sintomáticas en el Sistema Único de Salud (SUS) brasileño, en el año 2019. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal para analizar la oferta de pruebas para la detección temprana del cáncer de mama, comparando la necesidad estimada con los procedimientos realizados en el SUS. Se utilizaron los parámetros proporcionados por el Instituto Nacional del Cáncer para estimar la población y la necesidad de pruebas para la detección temprana. El número de procedimientos realizados en el 2019 se obtuvo del Sistema de Información Ambulatoria del SUS. Se observó un déficit de mamografías de tamizaje en el país (-45,1%), oscilando entre el -31,4% en la Región Sur y el -70,5% en la Región Norte. Si la oferta de esta prueba se dirigiera a la población objetivo del rastreo, el déficit en el país se reduciría al -14,8% y habría una sobreoferta en el Sur (6,2%). Los procedimientos de investigación diagnóstica presentaron variaciones entre regiones, observándose mayores déficits en punción con aguja gruesa (-90,8%) y biopsia/escisión de nódulo mamario (-80,6%) en el Centro-Oeste, y el mayor déficit de pruebas anatomopatológicas en el Norte (-88,5%). La comparación entre la producción y la necesidad de procedimientos para la detección temprana del cáncer de mama en Brasil y en las regiones identificó déficits e insuficiencias que deben ser mejor conocidos y abordados a nivel estatal y municipal.
Subject(s)
Breast Neoplasms , Early Detection of Cancer , Mammography , National Health Programs , Humans , Brazil/epidemiology , Female , Cross-Sectional Studies , Breast Neoplasms/diagnosis , Mammography/statistics & numerical data , Middle Aged , Adult , Mass Screening/methods , Mass Screening/statistics & numerical data , Health Services Accessibility/statistics & numerical dataABSTRACT
The advanced stage at diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) may be related to individual factors, socioeconomic conditions, and healthcare service availability. The objective of the study was to analyze the prevalence of advanced stage CRC at the time of diagnosis and its association with individual, contextual, socioeconomic, and healthcare service indicators. An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted, analyzing cases of malignant neoplasms of the colon and rectum in individuals of both sexes, aged between 18 and 99 years, diagnosed between 2010 and 2019 in Brazil (n = 69,047). Data were collected from the Hospital Cancer Registry (HCR), Atlas of Human Development in Brazil, and from the National Registry of Health Institutions (NRHI). A Multilevel Poisson Regression model with random intercept was used. The prevalence of advanced stage CRC at diagnosis was 65.6%. Advanced stage was associated with older age groups prevalence ratio (PR) 4.40 and younger age groups (PR 1.84), low Human Development Index (HDI) (PR 1.22), and low density of family health strategy teams (PR 1.10). The study highlights the unequal distribution of social determinants of health in the diagnosis CRC in Brazil, revealing the need to evaluate and redirect public policies aimed at improving early detection and prevention of CRC in the country.
Subject(s)
Colorectal Neoplasms , Multilevel Analysis , Neoplasm Staging , Social Determinants of Health , Humans , Male , Female , Middle Aged , Colorectal Neoplasms/diagnosis , Colorectal Neoplasms/epidemiology , Colorectal Neoplasms/pathology , Aged , Adult , Brazil/epidemiology , Aged, 80 and over , Cross-Sectional Studies , Adolescent , Young Adult , Socioeconomic Factors , Prevalence , RegistriesABSTRACT
Cervical cancer, despite being preventable through primary and secondary prevention strategies, remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among women in Brazil. This study aimed to analyze the temporal, spatial, and space-time patterns of cervical cancer mortality in Brazil. An ecological study was conducted using temporal, spatial, and space-time analysis techniques, using death certificates with cervical cancer as the underlying cause or associated condition among females in Brazil from 2000 to 2021. Death certificate and population data were provided by the Department of Health Informatics of the Unified Health System (DATASUS) and the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), respectively. A total of 123,306 deaths associated with cervical cancer among women were registered during the study period. A rising trend in mortality was detected since 2014 onwards, after 14 years of decline. Particularly, an increase in mortality was observed among the younger age groups, and in the North and Northeast regions regardless of age. Heterogeneity in the spatial distribution of cervical cancer mortality was observed, with high mortality clusters around the country, but mostly concentrated in the North and Northeast regions. These findings suggest a need and an opportunity to develop efficient and effective health policies targeting those regions and groups of women at higher risk which in turn will allow for fast and significant reductions in cervical cancer mortality in Brazil.
Subject(s)
Spatio-Temporal Analysis , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms , Humans , Female , Brazil/epidemiology , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/mortality , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/epidemiology , Adult , Middle Aged , Aged , Young Adult , Adolescent , Mortality/trendsABSTRACT
OBJETIVE: to analyze breast cancer screening monitoring indicators in the female population using the Brazilian National Health System, from 2018 to 2019. METHODS: this was a descriptive study based on Cancer Information System (SISCAN) data; screening indicators were calculated following deterministic linkage of the mammography and histopathology databases. RESULTS: in 2018, 807,430 women aged 50 to 69 years were screened for breast cancer, 91% of whom had a benign result, 1.8% probably benign, 6.7% inconclusive results and 0.5% results suggestive of cancer; the positive mammogram rate was 9.0%; biopsy was estimated to be indicated for 1.6% of the women, 33.9% of whom had a malignant result, and the cancer confirmation rate was 5.4 per 1,000 women. CONCLUSION: high benign lesion loss to follow-up was identified; the positive mammogram rate was lower than the international parameter, but the cancer detection rate was adequate and the percentage of inconclusive mammograms was acceptable.
Subject(s)
Breast Neoplasms , Early Detection of Cancer , Female , Humans , Biopsy , Brazil/epidemiology , Breast Neoplasms/diagnosis , Breast Neoplasms/epidemiology , Mammography , Information SystemsABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To analyze the short-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment in Brazil. METHODS: This was a descriptive study using data from the Outpatient and Hospital Information Systems, and the Cancer Information System. Monthly percentage variation of cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment procedures in 2019 and 2020 was calculated, as well as waiting time for cervical and breast cancer tests. RESULTS: In 2020 cytopathology tests fell by 3,767,686 (-44.6%), screening mammograms fell by 1,624,056 (-42.6%), biopsies fell by 257,697 (-35.3%), cancer surgery fell by 25,172 (-15.7%), and radiotherapy procedures fell by 552 (-0.7%), compared to 2019. Time intervals for performing cervical and breast cancer screening exams were little affected. CONCLUSION: Cancer control actions were impacted by the pandemic, making it necessary to devise strategies to mitigate the effects of possible delays in diagnosis and treatment.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Neoplasms , Brazil/epidemiology , Early Detection of Cancer/methods , Humans , Neoplasms/diagnosis , Neoplasms/epidemiology , Neoplasms/therapy , Pandemics/prevention & control , SARS-CoV-2ABSTRACT
As a middle-income country, Brazil has one of the largest public health systems worldwide, which deals with free and universal access to health care. Regarding cervical cancer, the country possesses a large infrastructure for the screening of premalignant and malignant lesions, but yet based on old technology, having Papanicolaou as the major screening method, followed by colposcopy and treatment. Also, large disparities in access are present, which makes effectiveness of screening and treatment in different regions of the country highly unequal. In this review, we describe and evaluate the current screening, treatment and prophylactic (HPV vaccination) strategies to combat cervical cancer in Brazil, and discuss potential incorporation of more recent technologies in these areas in the country to pave its way toward cervical cancer elimination.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To present the development and validation processes of a decision aid for prostate cancer screening in Brazil. METHODS: Study with qualitative-participatory design for the elaboration of a decision aid for prostate cancer screening, with the participation of a group of men and physicians inserted in primary health care in 11 Brazilian states. Evidence synthesis, field testing, and use in clinical scenarios were performed to adapt the content, format, language, and applicability towards the needs of the target audience in the years 2018 and 2019. The versions were subsequently evaluated by the participants and modified based on the data obtained. RESULTS: We elaborated an unprecedented tool in Brazil, with information about the tests used in the screening, comparison of their possible benefits and harms and a numerical infographic with the consequences of this practice. We verified the decision aid usability to assist in the communication between the doctor and the man in the context of primary health care, besides identifying the need for greater discussion about sharing decisions in clinical scenarios. CONCLUSION: The tool was easy to use, objective, and has little interference in consultation time. It is a technical-scientific material, produced by research, with the participation of its main target audience and which is available free of charge for use in Brazilian clinical scenarios.
Subject(s)
Early Detection of Cancer , Prostatic Neoplasms , Brazil , Decision Making , Decision Support Techniques , Humans , Male , Mass Screening , Patient Participation , Prostate-Specific Antigen , Prostatic Neoplasms/diagnosisABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To analyze the impact of the covid-19 pandemic on mortality from cancer and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) as underlying cause and comorbidity in Brazil and Brazilian regions in 2020. METHODS: We used the 2019 and 2020 databases of the Mortality Information System (SIM) to analyze deaths occurring between March and December of each year that had cancer or CVD as the underlying cause or comorbidity. Deaths from covid-19 in 2020 were also analyzed. To estimate the Standardized Mortality Ratio (SMR) and the excess of deaths, 2019 data were considered as standard. RESULTS: Between March and December 2020, there were 181,377 deaths from cancer and 291,375 deaths from cardiovascular diseases in Brazil, indicating reduction rates of 9.7% and 8.8%, respectively, compared to the same period of the previous year. The pattern was maintained in the five Brazilian regions, with lower variation for cancer (-8.4% in the South to -10.9% in the Midwest). For CVD, the variation was greater, from -2.2% in the North to -10.5 in the Southeast and South. In the same period of 2020, these diseases were classified as comorbidities in 18,133 deaths from cancer and 188,204 deaths from cardiovascular diseases, indicating a proportional excess compared to data from 2019, of 82.1% and 77.9%, respectively. This excess was most significant in the Northern Region, with a ratio of 2.5 between observed and expected deaths for the two conditions studied. CONCLUSIONS: Excess deaths from cancer and CVD as comorbidities in 2020 may indicate that covid-19 had an important impact among patients with these conditions.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Cardiovascular Diseases , Neoplasms , Brazil/epidemiology , Humans , PandemicsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Country-specific evidence is needed to guide decisions regarding whether and how to implement lung cancer screening in different settings. For this study, we estimated the potential numbers of individuals screened and lung cancer deaths prevented in Brazil after applying different strategies to define screening eligibility. METHODS: We applied the Lung Cancer Death Risk Assessment Tool (LCDRAT) to survey data on current and former smokers (ever-smokers) in 15 Brazilian state capital cities that comprise 18% of the Brazilian population. We evaluated three strategies to define eligibility for screening: (1) pack-years and cessation time (≥30 pack-years and <15 years since cessation); (2) the LCDRAT risk model with a fixed risk threshold; and (3) LCDRAT with age-specific risk thresholds. FINDINGS: Among 2.3 million Brazilian ever-smokers aged 55-79 years, 21,459 (95%CI 20,532-22,387) lung cancer deaths were predicted over 5 years without screening. Applying the fixed risk-based eligibility definition would prevent more lung cancer deaths than the pack-years definition [2,939 (95%CI 2751-3127) vs. 2,500 (95%CI 2318-2681) lung cancer deaths], and with higher screening efficiency [NNS=177 (95%CI 170-183) vs. 205 (95%CI 194-216)], but would tend to screen older individuals [mean age 67.8 (95%CI 67.5-68.2) vs. 63.4 (95%CI 63.0-63.9) years]. Applying age-specific risk thresholds would allow younger ever-smokers to be screened, although these individuals would be at lower risk. The age-specific thresholds strategy would avert three-fifths (60.1%) of preventable lung cancer deaths [N = 2629 (95%CI 2448-2810)] by screening 21.9% of ever-smokers. INTERPRETATION: The definition of eligibility impacts the efficiency of lung cancer screening and the mean age of the eligible population. As implementation of lung screening proceeds in different countries, our analytical framework can be used to guide similar analyses in other contexts. Due to limitations of our models, more research would be needed.
ABSTRACT
The World Health Organization global call to eliminate cervical cancer encourages countries to consider introducing or improving cervical cancer screening programs. Brazil's Unified Health System (SUS) is among the world's largest public health systems offering free cytology testing, follow-up colposcopy, and treatment. Yet, health care networks across the country have unequal infrastructure, human resources, equipment, and supplies resulting in uneven program performance and large disparities in cervical cancer incidence and mortality. An effective screening program needs multiple strategies feasible for each community's reality, facilitating coverage and follow-up adherence. Prioritizing those at highest risk with tests that better stratify risk will limit inefficiencies, improving program impact across different resource settings. Highly sensitive human papillomavirus (HPV)-DNA testing performs better than cytology and, with self-collection closer to homes and workplaces, improves access, even in remote regions. Molecular triage strategies like HPV genotyping can identify from the same self-collected sample, those at highest risk requiring follow-up. If proven acceptable, affordable, cost-effective, and efficient in the Brazilian context, these strategies would increase coverage while removing the need for speculum exams for routine screening and reducing follow-up visits. SUS could implement a nationwide organized program that accommodates heterogenous settings across Brazil, informing a variety of screening programs worldwide.
Subject(s)
COVID-19/complications , Cytodiagnosis/methods , Early Detection of Cancer/methods , Papillomaviridae/isolation & purification , Papillomavirus Infections/complications , SARS-CoV-2/isolation & purification , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/diagnosis , Brazil/epidemiology , DNA, Viral/analysis , DNA, Viral/genetics , Female , Humans , Papillomavirus Infections/genetics , Papillomavirus Infections/virology , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/epidemiology , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/virologyABSTRACT
The World Health Organization Call to Eliminate Cervical Cancer resonates in cities like Manaus, Brazil, where the burden is among the world's highest. Manaus has offered free cytology-based screening since 1990 and HPV immunization since 2013, but the public system is constrained by many challenges and performance is not well-defined. We obtained cervical cancer prevention activities within Manaus public health records for 2019 to evaluate immunization and screening coverage, screening by region and neighborhood, and the annual Pink October screening campaign. We estimated that among girls and boys age 14-18, 85.9% and 64.9% had 1+ doses of HPV vaccine, higher than rates for age 9-13 (73.4% and 43.3%, respectively). Of the 90,209 cytology tests performed, 24.9% were outside the target age and the remaining 72,230 corresponded to 40.1% of the target population (one-third of women age 25-64). The East zone had highest screening coverage (49.1%), highest high-grade cytology rate (2.5%) and lowest estimated cancers (38.1/100,000) compared with the South zone (32.9%, 1.8% and 48.5/100,000, respectively). Largest neighborhoods had fewer per capita screening locations, resulting in lower coverage. During October, some clinics successfully achieved higher screening volumes and high-grade cytology rates (up to 15.4%). Although we found evidence of some follow-up within 10 months post-screening for 51/70 women (72.9%) with high-grade or worse cytology, only 18 had complete work-up confirmed. Manaus has successfully initiated HPV vaccination, forecasting substantial cervical cancer reductions by 2050. With concerted efforts during campaigns, some clinics improved screening coverage and reached high-risk women. Screening campaigns in community locations in high-risk neighborhoods using self-collected HPV testing can achieve widespread coverage. Simplifying triage and treatment with fewer visits closer to communities would greatly improve follow-up and program effectiveness. Achieving WHO Cervical Cancer Elimination goals in high-burden cities will require major reforms for screening and simpler follow-up and treatment.
Subject(s)
Uterine Cervical Neoplasms , Adolescent , Brazil , Cities , Female , Humans , PregnancyABSTRACT
Resumo: A detecção precoce é uma das estratégias para o controle do câncer de mama e, para tanto, é fundamental garantir o acesso à investigação dos casos suspeitos para continuidade do cuidado e tratamento oportuno. Este estudo tem por objetivo estimar a necessidade de procedimentos para detecção precoce dessa neoplasia e avaliar a sua adequação no atendimento às mulheres rastreadas e sintomáticas no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), no ano de 2019. Foi realizado um estudo descritivo transversal para analisar a oferta de exames de detecção precoce do câncer de mama, comparando a necessidade estimada com os procedimentos realizados no SUS. Foram utilizados os parâmetros disponibilizados pelo Instituto Nacional de Câncer para estimar a população e a necessidade de exames para a detecção precoce. No Sistema de Informações Ambulatoriais do SUS, obteve-se o número de procedimentos realizados em 2019. Observou-se um déficit de mamografias de rastreamento no país (-45,1%), variando entre -31,4% na Região Sul a -70,5% na Região Norte. Se a oferta desse exame fosse direcionada para a população-alvo do rastreamento, o déficit no país reduziria para -14,8% e haveria sobreoferta no Sul (6,2%). Os procedimentos de investigação diagnóstica apresentaram variações entre as regiões, com maiores déficits de punção por agulha grossa (-90,8%) e biópsia/exérese de nódulo da mama (-80,6%) observados no Centro-oeste, e o maior déficit de exames anatomopatológicos no Norte (-88,5%). A comparação entre a produção e a necessidade de procedimentos para detecção precoce do câncer de mama no Brasil identificou déficits e inadequações que devem ser melhor conhecidos e equacionados em nível estadual e municipal.
Abstract: Early detection is a major strategy in breast cancer control and, for this reason, it is important to ensure access to investigation of suspected cases for care continuity and timely treatment. This study aimed to estimate the need for procedures of breast cancer early detection and assess their adequacy for providing care to screened and symptomatic women in the Brazilian Unified National Health System (SUS) in 2019. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to analyze the provision of tests for breast cancer early detection, comparing the estimated need with the procedures performed in the SUS. Parameters provided by the Brazilian National Cancer Institute were used to estimate the population and the need for early detection tests. The number of procedures performed in 2019 was obtained from the Outpatient Information System of the SUS. A deficit in screening mammograms was observed in the country (-45.1%), ranging from -31.4% in the South Region to -70.5 % in the North Region. If this test was offered to the target population, the deficit in the country would reduce to -14.8% and there would be an oversupply in the South Region (6.2%). Diagnostic investigation procedures varied between the regions, with higher deficits in coarse needle biopsy (-90.8%) and breast lump biopsy/excision (-80.6%) observed in the Central-West Region, and the highest deficit in anatomopathological exams in the North Region (-88.5%). The comparison between the production and need for procedures of breast cancer early detection in Brazil and its regions identified deficits and inadequacies that must be better understood and addressed at the state and municipal levels.
Resumen: La detección temprana es una de las estrategias para el control del cáncer de mama y, para ello, es fundamental garantizar el acceso a la investigación de los casos sospechosos para la continuidad del cuidado y el tratamiento oportuno. El presente estudio tiene como objetivo estimar la necesidad de procedimientos para la detección temprana de esta neoplasia y evaluar su adecuación en la atención a las mujeres rastreadas y sintomáticas en el Sistema Único de Salud (SUS) brasileño, en el año 2019. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal para analizar la oferta de pruebas para la detección temprana del cáncer de mama, comparando la necesidad estimada con los procedimientos realizados en el SUS. Se utilizaron los parámetros proporcionados por el Instituto Nacional del Cáncer para estimar la población y la necesidad de pruebas para la detección temprana. El número de procedimientos realizados en el 2019 se obtuvo del Sistema de Información Ambulatoria del SUS. Se observó un déficit de mamografías de tamizaje en el país (-45,1%), oscilando entre el -31,4% en la Región Sur y el -70,5% en la Región Norte. Si la oferta de esta prueba se dirigiera a la población objetivo del rastreo, el déficit en el país se reduciría al -14,8% y habría una sobreoferta en el Sur (6,2%). Los procedimientos de investigación diagnóstica presentaron variaciones entre regiones, observándose mayores déficits en punción con aguja gruesa (-90,8%) y biopsia/escisión de nódulo mamario (-80,6%) en el Centro-Oeste, y el mayor déficit de pruebas anatomopatológicas en el Norte (-88,5%). La comparación entre la producción y la necesidad de procedimientos para la detección temprana del cáncer de mama en Brasil y en las regiones identificó déficits e insuficiencias que deben ser mejor conocidos y abordados a nivel estatal y municipal.