Evaluation of ionizing radiation as a risk factor for the incidence of breast cancer: long-term analysis after the cesium-137 accident in Goiânia, Brazil. An ecological study.

BACKGROUND: The largest radiological accident to occur in any urban area happened in Goiânia, Brazil, in 1987. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between breast cancer incidence and ionizing radiation levels. DESIGN AND SETTING: Ecological study among residents of the city of Goiânia, Brazil. METHODS: The central region of Goiânia, with seven major sources of contamination from cesium-137, was defined as the study area. The addresses of women diagnosed with breast cancer were identified between 2001 and 2010. The data were geographically referenced and, using census data, the annual averages of crude incidence rates were estimated. The existence of clusters of new cases was ascertained by means of the Moran index. Correlations of radiometric measurements with the incidence were assessed using unconditional linear regression. RESULTS: A total of 4,105 new cases were identified, of which 2,233 were in the study area, and of these, 1,286 (57.59%) were georeferenced. The gross rates of total and referenced cases were 102.91 and 71.86/100,000 women, respectively. These were close to the average for Brazilian state capitals, which is 79.37/100,000 women. The cluster analysis showed slight correlations in three small sets of census tracts, but these were far from the sources of contamination. The scatter plot of points and the R2 value close to zero indicated that there was no association between the variables. CONCLUSION: This study reinforces the hypothesis that the ionizing radiation levels to which women living in Goiânia are now exposed to are not associated with the onset of new cases of breast cancer.

Evaluation of ionizing radiation as a risk factor for the incidence of breast cancer: long-term analysis after the cesium-137 accident in Goiânia, Brazil. An ecological study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The largest radiological accident to occur in any urban area happened in Goiânia, Brazil, in 1987. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between breast cancer incidence and ionizing radiation levels. DESIGN AND SETTING: Ecological study among residents of the city of Goiânia, Brazil. METHODS: The central region of Goiânia, with seven major sources of contamination from cesium-137, was defined as the study area. The addresses of women diagnosed with breast cancer were identified between 2001 and 2010. The data were geographically referenced and, using census data, the annual averages of crude incidence rates were estimated. The existence of clusters of new cases was ascertained by means of the Moran index. Correlations of radiometric measurements with the incidence were assessed using unconditional linear regression. RESULTS: A total of 4,105 new cases were identified, of which 2,233 were in the study area, and of these, 1,286 (57.59%) were georeferenced. The gross rates of total and referenced cases were 102.91 and 71.86/100,000 women, respectively. These were close to the average for Brazilian state capitals, which is 79.37/100,000 women. The cluster analysis showed slight correlations in three small sets of census tracts, but these were far from the sources of contamination. The scatter plot of points and the R2 value close to zero indicated that there was no association between the variables. CONCLUSION: This study reinforces the hypothesis that the ionizing radiation levels to which women living in Goiânia are now exposed to are not associated with the onset of new cases of breast cancer.

Trends in the Incidence of Breast Cancer Following the Radiological Accident in Goiânia: A 25-Year Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The largest radiological accident to occur in any urban area happened in Goiânia, Brazil, in 1987. One major concern regarding deleterious effects in the population was a possible increase in the breast cancer incidence. This study analyzed trends in the incidence of breast cancer over the 25-year period following the radiological accident. METHODS: This ecological, population-based study was conducted to determine the incidence of breast cancer in female residents of Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil, between 1988 and 2012. The data were collected from the Goiânia population-based cancer registry. Crude and age-standardized incidence rates were calculated. The Joinpoint software program was used to calculate annual percent changes (APC) in the incidence of breast cancer. RESULTS: Overall, 7,365 new cases of breast cancer were identified, with an annual crude incidence rate of 23.09/100,000 women in 1988 and of 71.65/100,000 women in 2012. The age-standardized incidence rate was 35.63/100,000 women in 1988 and 65.63/100,000 women in 2012. Analysis of the APC showed a significant annual increase of 4.8% in the incidence between 1988 and 2005 (p<0.0001) followed by stabilization in 2005-2012, with an APC of -3.5% (p=0.1). CONCLUSION: There was an increase in the incidence of breast cancer in the female residents of Goiânia, Goiás in the first 17 years of evaluation (1988-2004) followed by a period of stabilization until 2012. However, the trends in the incidence suggest a lack of association with the radiological accident.

Difficult Access and Poor Productivity: Mammography Screening in Brazil.

Background: Factors that may hamper access to mammographic screening in any given region include socioeconomic limitations and the geographical distribution and quality of the mammography machines. This study evaluated access to breast cancer screening within the Brazilian National Health Service (SUS), the geographical distribution of mammography equipment and the number of mammograms performed in Brazil. Methods: This ecological study evaluated the availability of mammography machines within the SUS, those available for Brazil as a whole, its macroregions, states and the Federal District in 2016. The number of mammography machines required for breast cancer screening was calculated and compared to the number of machines available. The expected number of mammograms was compared with the actual number performed. Machines were georeferenced based on their location and the municipal seat, according to healthcare region, with 60 km being defined as the maximum distance for an individual to travel for a mammogram. Results: In 2016, there were 4,628 mammography machines in Brazil. Of these, 4,492 were in use and 2,113 (47%) were available to the SUS. Considering the number of mammograms required as a function of the number clinically indicated, 2,068 machines would be required for breast cancer screening in Brazil. The network of machines available would be capable of producing 14,279,654 exams; however, only 4,073,079 exams were performed, representing 29% of the total capacity of production in the country in 2016. Regarding the maximum distance of 60 km to access a mammogram, only relatively small areas of Brazil were found not to meet this indicator. Conclusion: These results suggest that the difficulty of the Brazilian population in accessing breast cancer screening through the SUS is not associated with the number of machines available or with the geographical location of the equipment but rather with the insufficient number of mammograms performed.

Contribution of the Unified Health Care System to mammography screening in Brazil, 2013.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the coverage of opportunistic mammography screening performed via the Brazilian Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS, Unified Health Care System), at the state and regional level, in 2013. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was an ecological study in which coverage was estimated by determining the ratio between the number of mammograms performed and the expected number of mammograms among the population of females between 50 and 69 years of age. The number of mammograms performed in the target population was obtained from the Outpatient Database of the Information Technology Department of the SUS. To calculate the expected number of mammograms, we considered 58.9% of the target population, the proportion that would be expected on the basis of the recommendations of the Brazilian National Cancer Institute. RESULTS: In 2013, the estimated national coverage of mammography screening via the SUS was 24.8%. The mammography rate ranged from 12.0% in the northern region to 31.3% in the southern region. When stratified by state, coverage was lowest in the state of Pará and highest in the state of Santa Catarina (7.5% and 35.7%, respectively). CONCLUSION: The coverage of mammography screening performed via the SUS is low. There is a significant disparity among the Brazilian states (including the Federal District of Brasília) and among regions, being higher in the south/southeast and lower in the north/northeast.

OBJETIVO: Estimar a cobertura mamográfica em rastreamento oportunista realizado pelo Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) no Brasil, nas suas regiões e nas Unidades da Federação, no ano de 2013. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Estudo ecológico, em que a estimativa da cobertura foi a proporção entre o número de exames realizados e o número de exames esperados na população feminina na faixa etária de 50 a 69 anos. O número de exames realizados refere-se aos dados da produção mamográfica da população alvo, disponíveis no Sistema de Informações Ambulatoriais do Departamento de Informática do SUS. Para o cálculo do número de exames esperados considerou-se 58,9% da população alvo, tendo em vista as recomendações do Instituto Nacional de Câncer. RESULTADOS: A estimativa da cobertura mamográfica no rastreamento realizado pelo SUS no Brasil, em 2013, foi 24,8%. A prevalência de mamografias variou de 12,0% na Região Norte a 31,3% na Região Sul. Ao estratificar por Unidades da Federação, a menor cobertura foi no Pará (7,5%) e a maior cobertura foi em Santa Catarina (35,7%). CONCLUSÃO: A cobertura mamográfica do SUS no Brasil é baixa. Existe uma desigualdade significativa entre as Unidades da Federação, sendo maior nas regiões Sul e Sudeste e menor nas regiões Norte e Nordeste do país.

Contribution of the Unified Health Care System to mammography screening in Brazil, 2013 / Contribuição do Sistema Único de Saúde no rastreamento mamográfico no Brasil, 2013

Abstract Objective: To estimate the coverage of opportunistic mammography screening performed via the Brazilian Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS, Unified Health Care System), at the state and regional level, in 2013. Materials and Methods: This was an ecological study in which coverage was estimated by determining the ratio between the number of mammograms performed and the expected number of mammograms among the population of females between 50 and 69 years of age. The number of mammograms performed in the target population was obtained from the Outpatient Database of the Information Technology Department of the SUS. To calculate the expected number of mammograms, we considered 58.9% of the target population, the proportion that would be expected on the basis of the recommendations of the Brazilian National Cancer Institute. Results: In 2013, the estimated national coverage of mammography screening via the SUS was 24.8%. The mammography rate ranged from 12.0% in the northern region to 31.3% in the southern region. When stratified by state, coverage was lowest in the state of Pará and highest in the state of Santa Catarina (7.5% and 35.7%, respectively). Conclusion: The coverage of mammography screening performed via the SUS is low. There is a significant disparity among the Brazilian states (including the Federal District of Brasília) and among regions, being higher in the south/southeast and lower in the north/northeast.

Resumo Objetivo: Estimar a cobertura mamográfica em rastreamento oportunista realizado pelo Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) no Brasil, nas suas regiões e nas Unidades da Federação, no ano de 2013. Materiais e Métodos: Estudo ecológico, em que a estimativa da cobertura foi a proporção entre o número de exames realizados e o número de exames esperados na população feminina na faixa etária de 50 a 69 anos. O número de exames realizados refere-se aos dados da produção mamográfica da população alvo, disponíveis no Sistema de Informações Ambulatoriais do Departamento de Informática do SUS. Para o cálculo do número de exames esperados considerou-se 58,9% da população alvo, tendo em vista as recomendações do Instituto Nacional de Câncer. Resultados: A estimativa da cobertura mamográfica no rastreamento realizado pelo SUS no Brasil, em 2013, foi 24,8%. A prevalência de mamografias variou de 12,0% na Região Norte a 31,3% na Região Sul. Ao estratificar por Unidades da Federação, a menor cobertura foi no Pará (7,5%) e a maior cobertura foi em Santa Catarina (35,7%). Conclusão: A cobertura mamográfica do SUS no Brasil é baixa. Existe uma desigualdade significativa entre as Unidades da Federação, sendo maior nas regiões Sul e Sudeste e menor nas regiões Norte e Nordeste do país.

Performance of diagnostic centers in the classification of opportunistic screening mammograms from the Brazilian public health system (SUS) / Avaliação do desempenho dos centros de diagnóstico na classificação dos laudos mamográficos em rastreamento oportunista do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS)

Objective To evaluate the performance of diagnostic centers in the classification of mammography reports from an opportunistic screening undertaken by the Brazilian public health system (SUS) in the municipality of Goiânia, GO, Brazil in 2010. Materials and Methods The present ecological study analyzed data reported to the Sistema de Informação do Controle do Câncer de Mama (SISMAMA) (Breast Cancer Management Information System) by diagnostic centers involved in the mammographic screening developed by the SUS. Based on the frequency of mammograms per BI-RADS® category and on the limits established for the present study, the authors have calculated the rate of conformity for each diagnostic center. Diagnostic centers with equal rates of conformity were considered as having equal performance. Results Fifteen diagnostic centers performed mammographic studies for SUS and reported 31,198 screening mammograms. The performance of the diagnostic centers concerning BI-RADS classification has demonstrated that none of them was in conformity for all categories, one center presented conformity in five categories, two centers, in four categories, three centers, in three categories, two centers, in two categories, four centers, in one category, and three centers with no conformity. Conclusion The results of the present study demonstrate unevenness in the diagnostic centers performance in the classification of mammograms reported to SISMAMA from the opportunistic screening undertaken by SUS. .

Objetivo Avaliar o desempenho dos centros de diagnóstico na classificação dos laudos dos exames de mamografia em rastreamento oportunista do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), no município de Goiânia, em 2010. Materiais e Métodos Trata-se de estudo ecológico, em que foram analisadas informações reportadas ao Sistema de Informação do Controle do Câncer de Mama (SISMAMA) pelos centros de diagnóstico que realizavam mamografia de rastreamento para o SUS. A partir da frequência de exames por categoria BI-RADS® e os limites estabelecidos para este estudo, foram calculados os percentuais de conformidade de cada centro de diagnóstico. Consideraram-se como centros de desempenho iguais os que apresentaram percentuais de conformidade iguais. Resultados Quinze centros de diagnóstico realizavam mamografia para o SUS, e estes reportaram 31.198 exames de rastreamento. O desempenho dos centros de diagnóstico com relação às categorias BI-RADS mostrou que nenhum centro apresentou conformidade para todas as categorias, um apresentou conformidade em cinco categorias, dois em quatro categorias, três em três categorias, dois em duas categorias, quatro em uma categoria e três não apresentaram conformidade. Conclusão Os resultados deste trabalho mostraram que houve desigualdade no desempenho dos centros de diagnóstico no que se refere à classificação dos laudos dos exames de mamografia reportados ao SISMAMA do rastreamento oportunista realizado pelo SUS. .

[Effectiveness of a quality control program in mammography for the Brazilian National Health System]. / Efetividade de programa de controle de qualidade em mamografia para o Sistema Único de Saúde.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of a quality control program in mammography services of the Brazilian National Health System (SUS). METHODS: A prospective study using temporal analysis of a health surveillance action was conducted. A total of 35 service providers that had mammography equipment in operation and regularly performed exams between 2007 and 2009 in the state of Goiás, Central-Western Brazil, participated in this study. Services were assessed during three site visits by performance testing of mammography equipment, film processors, and other materials, and image quality and entrance surface dose in a phantom were also assessed. Each service was scored according to the percentage of tests that conformed to standards. RESULTS: The mean percentage for compliance among the participating service providers were 64.1% (± 13.3%) in the first visit, 68.4% (± 15.9%) in the second, and 77.1% (± 13.3%) in the third (p < 0.001). The main improvements resulted from adjustments to the breast compression force, the automatic exposure control system, and the alignment of the compression paddle. The doses measured were within the conformity range in 80% of the services assessed. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of this program in the mammography services was effective at improving the operational parameters of the mammography machines, although 40% of the services did not reach the acceptable level of 70%. This result indicates the need to continue this health surveillance action.

Efetividade de programa de controle de qualidade em mamografia para o Sistema Único de Saúde / Effectiveness of a quality control program in mammography for the Brazilian National Health System / Efectividad de programa de control de calidad en mamografía para el Sistema Nacional de Salud de Brasil

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a efetividade de um programa de controle de qualidade de imagem nos serviços de mamografia da rede do Sistema Único de Saúde. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo com análise temporal do tipo "antes e depois" de uma ação de vigilância em saúde. Participaram do estudo 35 serviços que tinham mamógrafos em operação e realizavam exames regularmente em Goiás entre 2007 e 2009. Foram avaliados os serviços, por testes de desempenho de mamógrafos, processadoras e demais materiais em três visitas técnicas, a qualidade da imagem e a dose de entrada no simulador radiográfico de mama. Cada serviço recebeu uma pontuação correspondente ao percentual dos testes em conformidade com os padrões. RESULTADOS: Os percentuais médios de conformidade dos serviços foram de 64,1% (± 13,3%) na primeira visita, 68,4% (± 15,9%) na segunda e 77,1% (± 13,3%) na terceira (p < 0,001). As principais melhorias foram decorrentes dos ajustes da força de compressão da mama, do controle automático de exposição e do alinhamento da bandeja de compressão. As doses medidas estavam dentro da faixa de conformidade em 80% dos serviços avaliados. CONCLUSÕES: A implantação do programa nos serviços foi efetiva para a melhoria dos parâmetros de operação do mamógrafo, embora 40% dos serviços não tenham alcançado o nível aceitável de 70%. Este resultado indica a necessidade de haver continuidade na vigilância em saúde.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of a quality control program in mammography services of the Brazilian National Health System (SUS). METHODS: A prospective study using temporal analysis of a health surveillance action was conducted. A total of 35 service providers that had mammography equipment in operation and regularly performed exams between 2007 and 2009 in the state of Goiás, Central-Western Brazil, participated in this study. Services were assessed during three site visits by performance testing of mammography equipment, film processors, and other materials, and image quality and entrance surface dose in a phantom were also assessed. Each service was scored according to the percentage of tests that conformed to standards. RESULTS: The mean percentage for compliance among the participating service providers were 64.1% (± 13.3%) in the first visit, 68.4% (± 15.9%) in the second, and 77.1% (± 13.3%) in the third (p < 0.001). The main improvements resulted from adjustments to the breast compression force, the automatic exposure control system, and the alignment of the compression paddle. The doses measured were within the conformity range in 80% of the services assessed. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of this program in the mammography services was effective at improving the operational parameters of the mammography machines, although 40% of the services did not reach the acceptable level of 70%. This result indicates the need to continue this health surveillance action.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la efectividad de un programa de control de calidad de imagen en los servicios de mamografía de la red del Sistema Único de Salud. MÉTODOS: Estudio prospectivo con análisis temporal de tipo "antes" y "después" de una acción de vigilancia en salud. Participaron del estudio 35 servicios que tenían mamógrafos operativos y que realizaban exámenes regularmente en el estado de Goiás, Brasil, entre 2007 y 2009. Se evaluaron los servicios, por pruebas de desempeño de mamógrafos , procesadoras y demás materiales en tres visitas técnicas, la calidad de la imagen y la dosis de entrada en el simulador radiográfico de mama. Cada servicio recibió una puntuación correspondiente al porcentaje de las pruebas en conformidad con los patrones. RESULTADOS: Los porcentajes promedio de conformidad de los servicios fueron de 64,1% (+/-13,3%) en la primera visita, 68,4% (+/-15,9%) en la segunda y 77,1% (+/-13,3%) en la tercera (p < 0,001). Las principales mejoras fueron decurrentes de los ajustes de la fuerza de compresión de la mama, del control automático de exposición y del alineamiento de la bandeja de compresión. Las dosis medidas estaban dentro del intervalo de conformidad en 80% de los servicios evaluados. CONCLUSIONES: La implantación del programa en los servicios fue efectiva para la mejora de los parámetros de operación del mamógrafo, a pesar de que 40% de los servicios no hayan alcanzado el nivel aceptable de 70%. Este resultado indica la necesidad de darle continuidad a la vigilancia en salud.

[Estimated mammogram coverage in Goiás State, Brazil]. / Estimativas da cobertura mamográfica no Estado de Goiás, Brasil.

This cross-sectional study aimed to estimate mammogram coverage in the State of Goiás, Brazil, describing the supply, demand, and variations in different age groups, evaluating 98 mammography services as observational units. We estimated the mammogram rates by age group and type of health service, as well as the number of tests required to cover 70% and 100% of the target population. We assessed the association between mammograms, geographical distribution of mammography machines, type of service, and age group. Full coverage estimates, considering 100% of women in the 40-69 and 50-69-year age brackets, were 61% and 66%, of which the Brazilian Unified National Health System provided 13% and 14%, respectively. To achieve 70% coverage, 43,424 additional mammograms would be needed. All the associations showed statistically significant differences (p < 0.001). We conclude that mammogram coverage is unevenly distributed in the State of Goiás and that fewer tests are performed than required.

Estimativas da cobertura mamográfica no Estado de Goiás, Brasil / Estimated mammogram coverage in Goiás State, Brazil

Este estudo transversal objetivou estimar a cobertura da mamografia no Estado de Goiás, Brasil, descrevendo sua oferta, demanda e variações para as diversas faixas etárias, tendo como unidades de observação 98 serviços de mamografia. Foram estimados as frequências de realização da mamografia por faixa etária e tipo de sistema de saúde, bem como o número de exames necessários para a cobertura de 70 por cento e 100 por cento da população-alvo. Foi avaliada a associação entre a realização da mamografia, a distribuição geográfica dos mamógrafos, o tipo de atendimento e a faixa etária. As estimativas de cobertura total para 100 por cento das mulheres nas faixas etárias de 40-69 anos e de 50-69 anos foram de 61 por cento e 66 por cento, tendo o Sistema Único de Saúde contribuído com 13 por cento e 14 por cento, respectivamente. Para atingir 70 por cento de cobertura, seria necessário realizar 43.424 mamografias adicionais. Todas as associações apresentaram diferença estatística significativa (p < 0,001). Conclui-se que a cobertura da mamografia está distribuída de maneira desigual no Estado de Goiás e o número de exames realizados é inferior ao necessário.

This cross-sectional study aimed to estimate mammogram coverage in the State of Goiás, Brazil, describing the supply, demand, and variations in different age groups, evaluating 98 mammography services as observational units. We estimated the mammogram rates by age group and type of health service, as well as the number of tests required to cover 70 percent and 100 percent of the target population. We assessed the association between mammograms, geographical distribution of mammography machines, type of service, and age group. Full coverage estimates, considering 100 percent of women in the 40-69 and 50-69-year age brackets, were 61 percent and 66 percent, of which the Brazilian Unified National Health System provided 13 percent and 14 percent, respectively. To achieve 70 percent coverage, 43,424 additional mammograms would be needed. All the associations showed statistically significant differences (p < 0.001). We conclude that mammogram coverage is unevenly distributed in the State of Goiás and that fewer tests are performed than required.

Impacto de um programa de avaliação da qualidade da imagem nos serviços de mamografia do Distrito Federal / Impact of a program of diagnostic imaging quality control in mammography centers of the Federal District, Brazil

OBJETIVO: Esta pesquisa visou a avaliar a qualidade dos serviços de mamografia do Distrito Federal e o impacto de uma intervenção de inspeção e capacitação. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Foram estudados 41 serviços de mamografia no Distrito Federal no período de 2000 a 2002. A intervenção consistiu na inspeção inicial seguida de um treinamento e notificação oficial da Vigilância Sanitária. Os resultados de qualidade da imagem foram comparados "antes" e "depois" da intervenção. RESULTADOS: O estudo demonstrou que dos 36 serviços que completaram a pesquisa, nenhum estava acima de 90 por cento de conformidade antes da intervenção. Após a intervenção, dez unidades atingiram mais de 90 por cento. As principais melhorias foram em relação aos chassis, compressão da mama e visualização de microcalcificações. CONCLUSÃO: Apesar de o Distrito Federal dispor de muitos serviços, na sua maioria não eram de qualidade. A intervenção foi eficaz para a melhoria da qualidade, porém, torna-se necessária uma ação continuada para resolver os problemas restantes e aumentar o impacto.

OBJECTIVE: The present study was aimed at evaluating the quality and the impact of an intervention involving inspection and education in mammography centers of the Federal District, Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty one mammography centers in the Federal District were studied in the period between 2000 and 2002. The intervention involved an initial inspection followed by a training activity and notification of mammography centers by the Federal District Sanitary Vigilance authority. The imaging quality was compared before and after the intervention. RESULTS: None of the 36 centers which completed the study reached more than 90 percent compliance with the standard imaging quality prior to the interventions, whereas ten were above 90 percent afterwards. Major improvements were observed in chassis maintenance, breast compression and visualization of microcalcifications. CONCLUSION: Despite the availability of a great number of mammography centers in the Federal District, most of them did not meet the required quality standards. The intervention has shown to be effective for improving the imaging quality, however a continued action is required to solve the remaining problems and increase the impact of the program.