Harms and benefits of mammographic screening for breast cancer in Brazil.

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.

Evaluation of breast cancer screening indicators in the female population using the National Health System, Brazil, 2018-2019: a descriptive study.

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.

valuation of breast cancer screening indicators in the female population assisted in the Unified Health System, Brazil, 2018-2019: descriptive study / Evaluación de indicadores de tamizaje de cáncer de mama en la población femenina atendida en el Sistema Único de Salud, Brasil, 2018-2019: estudio descriptivo / Avaliação dos indicadores de monitoramento do rastreamento do câncer de mama na população do sexo feminino atendida no Sistema Único de Saúde, Brasil, 2018-2019: estudo descritivo

Objetive: To analyze breast cancer screening monitoring indicators in the female population assisted by the Brazilian Unified Health System, from 2018 to 2019. Methods: Descriptive study based on the Cancer Information System (Siscan). Screening indicators were calculated through the deterministic linkage of the mammography and histopathological databases. Results: In 2018, 807,430 women, aged 50 to 69 years were screened for breast cancer. Of these, 91% had a benign result, 1.8% probably benign, 6.7% inconclusive results and 0.5% suggestive of cancer. The positive mammography rate was 9.0%. An indication for biopsy was estimated for 1.6% of the women, a malignant result for 33.9% of them and a cancer confirmation rate of 5.4 per 1,000 women. Conclusion: A high loss of follow-up of benign lesions was identified. The rate of positive mammograms was lower than the international parameter, but the cancer detection rate was adequate and the percentage of inconclusive mammograms acceptable.

Objetivo: Analizar indicadores del tamizaje de cáncer de mama en población femenina atendida por Sistema Único de Salud Brasileño, de 2018-2019. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo basado en Sistema de Información del Cáncer (Siscan). Los indicadores de detección se calcularon después de vinculación determinista de bases de datos de mamografía e histopatología. Resultados: En 2018, 807.430 mujeres de 50-69 años examinaram cáncer de mama. De estos, 91% tuvo resultado benigno, 1,8% probablemente benigno, 6,7% resultado no concluyente y 0,5% sugestivo de cáncer. La tasa de mamografías positivas fue 9,0%. Se estimó indicación de biopsia en 1,6% de las mujeres, resultado maligno en 33,9% y tasa de confirmación de cáncer de 5,4 por 1.000 mujeres. Conclusión: Se identificó alta pérdida de seguimiento de las lesiones benignas. La tasa de mamografías positivas fue inferior al parámetro internacional, pero la tasa de detección de cáncer fue adecuada y el porcentaje de mamografías no concluyentes aceptable.

Objetivo: analisar indicadores de monitoramento do rastreamento do câncer de mama na população feminina usuária do Sistema Único de Saúde, Brasil, no período 2018-2019. Métodos: estudo descritivo, a partir do Sistema de Informação do Câncer; foram calculados indicadores de rastreamento após relacionamento determinístico das bases de dados de mamografia e histopatologia. Resultados: em 2018, 807.430 mulheres na faixa etária de 50-69 anos foram rastreadas e dessas, 91% apresentaram resultado benigno, 1,8% provavelmente benigno, 6,7% inconclusivo e 0,5% sugestivo de câncer; a taxa de mamografia positiva foi de 9,0%; estimou-se indicação de biópsia para 1,6% das mulheres, resultado maligno para 33,9% delas, e taxa de confirmação de câncer de 5,4 por 1000 mulheres. Conclusão: identificou-se elevada perda de seguimento das lesões benignas; a taxa de mamografias positivas foi inferior ao parâmetro internacional; contudo, a taxa de detecção de câncer foi adequada, e o percentual de mamografias inconclusivas aceitável.

Ferramenta de apoio à decisão no rastreamento mamográfico para mulheres de 40 a 49 anos / Decision aid for mammographic screening for women aged 40 to 49 / Herramienta de apoyo a la decisión de cribado mamográfico para mujeres de 40 a 49 años

Introdução: O rastreamento do câncer de mama no Brasil é recomendado para as mulheres de 50 a 69 anos, conforme diretrizes nacionais para a detecção precoce do câncer de mama do Instituto Nacional de Câncer/Ministério da Saúde. Embora ele seja tradicionalmente difundido como prática apenas benéfica, as evidências científicas apontam sua complexidade e a necessidade de comunicar o balanço entre os riscos e os benefícios, sobretudo em mulheres mais jovens. Objetivo: Descrever o processo participativo de elaboração de uma ferramenta de apoio à decisão para o rastreamento do câncer de mama quando buscado por mulheres com idade entre 40 e 49 anos no Brasil. Métodos: Estudo qualitativo-participativo que envolveu nove médicos de diferentes estados do Brasil e 104 mulheres na etapa de elaboração e 40 na de avaliação da ferramenta, seguindo as recomendações do International Patient Decision Aid Standards, em quatro etapas: rodas de conversa, síntese de evidências, revisão de ferramentas e avaliação da ferramenta por médicos e mulheres. Resultados: A ferramenta elaborada é inédita no Brasil e todos os médicos que a utilizaram a consideraram útil na conversa sobre os riscos e benefícios do rastreamento; 88,9% avaliaram que as informações facilitaram o entendimento ­ visão compartilhada por 80% das mulheres ­ e 77,8% consideraram que reduziu ou não interferiu no tempo de consulta. A ferramenta foi posteriormente aprimorada conforme as críticas e sugestões. Conclusões: O estudo mostrou o alcance do objetivo da ferramenta em oferecer suporte à decisão compartilhada e boa aceitação entre médicos e mulheres.

Introduction: Breast cancer screening in Brazil is recommended for women aged 50 to 69 years, according to national guidelines for early detection of breast cancer of the National Cancer Institute/Ministry of Health. Although it is traditionally disseminated only as a beneficial practice, scientific evidence points to its complexity and the need to communicate the balance between risks and benefits, especially in younger women. Objective: To describe the participatory process of developing a decision aid for breast cancer screening when sought by women aged between 40 and 49 years in Brazil. Methods: Qualitative-participatory study that involved nine physicians and 104 women in the development process, following the recommendations of the International Patient Decision Aid Standards, which include four stages: conversation circles, evidence synthesis, and decision aid review and evaluation by physicians and women. Results: The decision aid developed is unprecedented in Brazil and all the physicians who used it considered it useful to help the conversation about the risks and benefits of breast cancer screening; 88.9% assessed that the information facilitated understanding ­ a view shared by 80% of the women ­ and 77.8% considered that it reduced or did not interfere with the consultation time. The decision aid was later improved with the suggestions. Conclusions: The study showed that the decision aid achieved its objective

Introducción: El tamizaje de cáncer de mama en Brasil se recomienda para mujeres de 50 a 69 años, de acuerdo con las directrices nacionales para la detección temprana de cáncer de mama del Instituto Nacional del Cáncer/Ministerio de Salud. Aunque tradicionalmente se difunde como una práctica puramente beneficiosa, la evidencia científica apunta a su complejidad y la necesidad de comunicar el equilibrio entre riesgos y beneficios, especialmente en mujeres más jóvenes. Objetivo: Describir el proceso participativo de desarrollo de una herramienta de apoyo a la decisión para el tamizaje de cáncer de mama cuando lo buscan mujeres de 40 a 49 años en Brasil. Método: Estudio cualitativo-participativo que involucró a médicos y mujeres en el desarrollo de la herramienta, siguiendo recomendaciones el International Patient Decision Aid Standards, que recomienda cuatro etapas: círculos de conversación, síntesis de evidencia, revisión de la herramienta y evaluación de la herramienta por parte de médicos y mujeres. Resultados: la herramienta desarrollada es inédita en Brasil y todos los médicos que la utilizaron la consideraron útil en la conversación sobre los riesgos y beneficios del tamizaje; el 88,9% evaluó que la información facilitaba la comprensión ­ visión compartida por el 80% de las mujeres ­ y el 77,8% consideró que reducía o no interfería en el tiempo de consulta. La herramienta fue posteriormente mejorada con sugerencias. Conclusiones: El estudio mostró el alcance del objetivo de la herramienta al dar apoyo a la decisión compartida y buena aceptación entre médicos y mujeres.

Avaliação de indicadores de monitoramento do rastreamento do câncer de mama na população do sexo feminino atendida no Sistema Único de Saúde, Brasil, 2018-2019: estudo descritivo / Evaluación de indicadores del tamizaje de cáncer de mama en la población femenina atendida en el Sistema Único de Salud, Brasil, 2018-2019: estudio descriptivo / Evaluation of breast cancer screening indicators in the female population using the National Health System, Brazil, 2018-2019: a descriptive study

Objetivo: analisar indicadores de monitoramento do rastreamento do câncer de mama na população feminina usuária do Sistema Único de Saúde, Brasil, no período 2018-2019. Métodos: estudo descritivo, a partir do Sistema de Informação do Câncer; foram calculados indicadores de rastreamento após relacionamento determinístico das bases de dados de mamografia e histopatologia. Resultados: em 2018, 807.430 mulheres na faixa etária de 50-69 anos foram rastreadas, e dessas, 91% apresentaram resultado benigno, 1,8% provavelmente benigno, 6,7% inconclusivo e 0,5% sugestivo de câncer; a taxa de mamografia positiva foi de 9,0%; estimou- -se indicação de biópsia para 1,6% das mulheres, resultado maligno para 33,9% delas, e taxa de confirmação de câncer de 5,4 por 1 mil mulheres. Conclusão: identificou-se elevada perda de seguimento das lesões benignas; a taxa de mamografias positivas foi inferior ao parâmetro internacional; contudo, a taxa de detecção de câncer foi adequada, e o percentual de mamografias inconclusivas, aceitável.

Objetivo: analizar indicadores del tamizaje de cáncer de mama en población femenina atendida por Sistema Único de Salud Brasileño, de 2018-2019. Métodos: estudio descriptivo basado en Sistema de Información del Cáncer (Siscan). Los indicadores de detección se calcularon después de vinculación determinista de bases de datos de mamografía e histopatología. Resultados: en 2018, 807.430 mujeres de 50-69 años examinaram cáncer de mama. De estos, 91% tuvo resultado benigno, 1,8% probablemente benigno, 6,7% resultado no concluyente y 0,5% sugestivo de cáncer. La tasa de mamografías positivas fue 9,0%. Se estimó indicación de biopsia en 1,6% de las mujeres, resultado maligno en 33,9% y tasa de confirmación de cáncer de 5,4 por 1.000 mujeres. Conclusión: se identificó alta pérdida de seguimiento de las lesiones benignas. La tasa de mamografías positivas fue inferior al parámetro internacional, pero la tasa de detección de cáncer fue adecuada y el porcentaje de mamografías no concluyentes aceptable.

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.

Cervical cancer screening, treatment and prophylaxis in Brazil: Current and future perspectives for cervical cancer elimination.

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.

Covid-19 in Brazil in 2020: impact on deaths from cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

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.

Decision aid for prostate cancer screening in Brazil.

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.

Short-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment procedures in Brazil: a descriptive study, 2019-2020. / Efeitos de curto prazo da pandemia de COVID-19 na realização de procedimentos de rastreamento, investigação diagnóstica e tratamento do câncer no Brasil: estudo descritivo, 2019-2020.

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.

Short-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on performing screening, diagnosis and treatment procedures for cancer care in Brazil: descriptive study, 2019-2020 / Efectos a corto plazo de la pandemia COVID-19 en la realización de procedimientos de tamizaje, investigación diagnóstica y tratamiento del cáncer en Brasil: estudio descriptivo, 2019-2020 / Efeitos de curto prazo da pandemia de COVID-19 na realização de procedimentos de rastreamento, investigação diagnóstica e tratamento do câncer no Brasil: estudo descritivo, 2019-2020

Objective: To analyze the short-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in screening, diagnostic investigation and cancer treatment in Brazil. Methods: Descriptive study using data from the SUS Outpatient and Hospital Information Systems, and Cancer Information System. Monthly percentage variation of cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment procedures was calculated, as well as the time for performing exams related to cancers of the cervix and breast for 2019 and 2020. Results: In 2020 there was a 3,767,686 (-44.6%) reduction in cytopathological tests, 1,624,056 (-42.6%) in screening mammograms, 257,697 (-35.3%) in biopsies, 25,172 (-15.7%) in oncologic surgeries, and 552 (-0.7%) radiotherapy procedures compared to 2019. Time intervals for performing screening exams for cervix and breast cancers 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.

Objetivo: Analizar los efectos a corto plazo de la pandemia por COVID-19 en tamizaje, diagnóstico y tratamiento de cáncer en Brasil. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo utilizando datos del Sistemas de Información Ambulatoria y Hospitalaria del SUS y Sistema de Información del Cáncer. Se calculó la variación porcentual mensual en procedimientos de tamizaje, diagnóstico y tratamiento de cáncer para 2019 y 2020, y el tiempo para realizar exámenes de cánceres de cérvix y mama. Resultados: En 2020 hubo reducción del 3.767.686 (-44,6%) en exámenes citopatológicos, 1.624.056 (- 42,6%) en mamografías, 257.697 (-35,3%) en biopsias, 25.172 (-15,7%) en cirugías oncológicas y 552 (-0,7%) en radioterapia en comparación con 2019. Tiempos de los exámenes de tamizaje para los cánceres de cérvix y de mama se vieron poco afectados. Conclusión: Acciones de control del cáncer se vieron impactadas por la pandemia, por lo que fue necesario diseñar estrategias para mitigar los efectos de posibles retrasos en diagnóstico y tratamiento.

Objetivo: Analisar efeitos de curto prazo da pandemia de COVID-19 no rastreamento, investigação diagnóstica e tratamento de câncer no Brasil. Métodos: Estudo descritivo, utilizando-se dados do Sistema de Informações Ambulatoriais e do Sistema de Informações Hospitalares do SUS, e Sistema de Informação do Câncer. Calculou-se a variação percentual mensal de procedimentos de rastreamento, diagnóstico e tratamento de câncer, em 2019 e 2020, além do tempo esperado para realização dos exames relacionados aos cânceres do colo do útero e mama. Resultados: Em 2020, houve redução de 3.767.686 (-44,6%) exames citopatológicos, 1.624.056 (-42,6%) mamografias, 257.697 (-35,3%) biópsias, 25.172 cirurgias oncológicas (-15,7%) e 552 (-0,7%) procedimentos de radioterapia, comparando-se a 2019. Os intervalos de tempo para realização de exames de rastreamento de câncer do colo uterino e mama foram pouco afetados. Conclusão: Ações de controle do câncer foram afetadas pela pandemia, sendo necessárias estratégias para mitigar efeitos dos atrasos no diagnóstico e tratamento.

Covid-19 in Brazil in 2020: impact on deaths from cancer and cardiovascular diseases / Covid-19 no Brasil em 2020: impacto nas mortes por câncer e doenças cardiovasculares

ABSTRACT 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.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Analisar o impacto da pandemia de covid-19 sobre a mortalidade por câncer e por doenças cardiovasculares (DCV) como causa básica e comorbidade no Brasil e em suas regiões em 2020. MÉTODOS Foram utilizadas as bases de dados de 2019 e 2020 do Sistema de Informações de Mortalidade (SIM), analisando os óbitos ocorridos entre março e dezembro de cada ano que tiveram o câncer e as DCV como causa básica ou como comorbidade. Também foram analisados os óbitos por covid-19 em 2020. Para o cálculo da Razão de Mortalidade Padronizada (RMP) e estimativa do excesso de mortes, os dados de 2019 foram considerados como padrão. RESULTADOS Entre março e dezembro de 2020 ocorreram no Brasil 181.377 mortes por câncer e 291.375 mortes por doenças cardiovasculares, indicando redução de 9,7% e de 8,8%, respectivamente, em relação ao mesmo período do ano anterior. O padrão foi mantido nas cinco regiões brasileiras, com menor variação para o câncer (-8,4% na Região Sul a -10,9% na Região Centro-Oeste). Para as DCV houve uma maior variação, de -2,2% na Região Norte até -10,5 nas regiões Sudeste e Sul. No mesmo período de 2020, essas enfermidades foram classificadas como comorbidade em 18.133 óbitos por câncer e 188.204 óbitos por doenças cardiovasculares, indicando um excesso proporcional, se comparado aos dados de 2019, de 82,1% e 77,9%, respectivamente. Esse excesso foi mais expressivo na Região Norte, com razão de 2,5 entre mortes observadas e esperadas, para as duas condições estudadas. CONCLUSÕES O excesso de óbitos por câncer e DCV como comorbidade em 2020 pode indicar que a covid-19 teve um importante impacto entre pacientes portadores dessas condições.

Efeitos de curto prazo da pandemia de COVID-19 na realização de procedimentos de rastreamento, investigação diagnóstica e tratamento do câncer no Brasil: estudo descritivo, 2019-2020 / Efectos a corto plazo de la pandemia COVID-19 en la realización de procedimientos de rastreo, investigación diagnóstica y tratamiento del cáncer en Brasil: estudio descriptivo, 2019-2020 / Short-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment procedures in Brazil: a descriptive study, 2019-2020

Objetivo: Analisar efeitos de curto prazo da pandemia de COVID-19 no rastreamento, investigação diagnóstica e tratamento de câncer no Brasil. Métodos: Estudo descritivo, utilizando-se dados do Sistema de Informações Ambulatoriais e do Sistema de Informações Hospitalares, e Sistema de Informação do Câncer. Calculou-se a variação percentual mensal de procedimentos de rastreamento, diagnóstico e tratamento de câncer, em 2019 e 2020, além do tempo esperado para realização dos exames relacionados aos cânceres do colo do útero e de mama. Resultados: Em 2020, houve redução de 3.767.686 (-44,6%) exames citopatológicos, 1.624.056 (-42,6%) mamografias, 257.697 (-35,3%) biópsias, 25.172 cirurgias oncológicas (-15,7%) e 552 (-0,7%) procedimentos de radioterapia, comparando-se a 2019. Os intervalos de tempo para realização de exames de rastreamento de câncer do colo uterino e mama foram pouco afetados. Conclusão: Ações de controle do câncer foram afetadas pela pandemia, sendo necessárias estratégias para mitigar efeitos dos atrasos no diagnóstico e tratamento.

Objetivo: Analizar los efectos a corto plazo de la pandemia por COVID-19 en rastreo, diagnóstico y tratamiento de cáncer en Brasil. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo utilizando datos del Sistemas de Información Ambulatoria y Hospitalaria del SUS y Sistema de Información del Cáncer. Se calculó la variación porcentual mensual en procedimientos de rastreo, diagnóstico y tratamiento de cáncer para 2019 y 2020, y el tiempo para realizar exámenes de cánceres de cérvix y mama. Resultados: En 2020 hubo reducción de 3.767.686 (-44,6%) en exámenes citopatológicos, 1.624.056 (-42,6%) en mamografías, 257.697 (-35,3%) en biopsias, 25.172 (-15,7%) en cirugías oncológicas y 552 (-0,7%) en radioterapia en comparación con 2019. Tiempos de los exámenes de rastreo para los cánceres de cérvix y de mama se vieron poco afectados. Conclusión: Acciones de control del cáncer se vieron impactadas por la pandemia, por lo que fue necesario diseñar estrategias para mitigar los efectos de posibles retrasos en diagnóstico y tratamiento.

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.

Rastreamento do Câncer do Colo do Útero em Mulheres de 25 a 64 anos: Indicadores do Primeiro Exame Citopatológico Informado no Siscolo, 2007-2013 / Cervical Cancer Screening in Women Aged 25 to 64 Years: Indicators of the First Cytopathological Examination Registered at Siscolo, 2007-2013 / Tamizaje Masivo de Cáncer de Cuello Uterino en Mujeres de 25 a 64 años: Indicadores de la Primera Vez de Examen Citopatológico en Siscolo, 2007-2013

Introdução: O câncer do colo do útero apresenta elevadas taxas de incidência e mortalidade em mulheres no Brasil. O monitoramento das ações de controle tem sido limitado ao número de exames realizados e não às mulheres examinadas em razão da falta de um identificador único no sistema de informação. Objetivo: Analisar indicadores das ações de rastreamento do câncer do colo do útero entre mulheres de 25-64 anos com registro do primeiro exame citopatológico informado no Siscolo no período de 2007 a 2013. Método: Estudo de séries temporais dos indicadores das ações de rastreamento do câncer do colo do útero, calculados para mulheres de 25-64 anos que tiveram o primeiro exame citopatológico identificado no Siscolo entre 2007 e 2013. A tendência temporal foi avaliada usando a regressão linear generalizada pelo método de Prais-Winsten. Resultado: O indicador de captação mostrou tendência crescente apenas na Região Sul (p=0,038), enquanto a positividade geral (qualquer alteração citopatológica) manteve-se estacionária no país (p≥0,108). A representatividade da zona de transformação apresentou tendência decrescente em todas as Regiões (p<0,05), enquanto a razão entre lesão intraepitelial de alto grau e carcinoma epidermoide apontou tendência crescente nas Regiões Nordeste (10,3 em 2007 para 13,3 em 2013), Sudeste (17,5 para 20,2) e Sul (20,2 para 30,4). Conclusão: A razão entre lesão de alto grau e câncer crescente em três Regiões do país indica bom desempenho do rastreamento nessas localidades. Indicadores com tendência estacionária e tendência decrescente da representatividade da zona de transformação necessitam de acompanhamento

Introduction: Cervical cancer has high rates of incidence and mortality in women in Brazil. Monitoring of control actions has been limited to the number of tests performed and not to the women examined due to the lack of a unique identifier in the information system. Objective: To analyze indicators of cervical cancer screening actions among women aged 25-64 years with a record of the first cytopathological examination reported at Siscolo from 2007 to 2013. Method: Study of time series of indicators of cervical cancer screening actions were calculated for women aged 25-64 years who had their first cytopathological exam identified at Siscolo between 2007 and 2013. Trend analysis was performed using Prais-Winsten regression. Result: The uptake indicator showed an increasing trend only in the South (p=0.038) while overall positivity (any cytopathological alteration) remained stationary in the country (p≥0.108). Transformation zone sampling rate showed a decreasing trend in all regions (p<0.05), while the ratio between high-grade intraepithelial lesion and squamous cell carcinoma showed an increasing trend in the Northeast (10.3 in 2007 to 13.3 in 2013), Southeast (17.5 to 20.2) and South (20.2 to 30.4) regions. Conclusion: The increasing ratio between high-grade lesion and cancer in three regions of the country indicates a good screening performance in these locations. Indicators with a stationary trend and a decreasing trend in the transformation zone sampling rate need monitoring

Introducción: El cáncer de cuello uterino tiene altas tasas de incidencia y mortalidad en mujeres en Brasil. El seguimiento de las acciones de control se ha limitado al número de pruebas realizadas y no mujeres examinadas debido a falta de un identificador único en sistema de información. Objetivo:Analizar indicadores de acciones de tamizaje de cáncer cervicouterino en mujeres de 25-64 años con registro del primer examen citopatológico reportado en Siscolo en período 2007 a 2013. Método: Estudio de series temporales de indicadores de acciones de tamizaje masivo del cuello uterino calculado para mujeres de 25-64 años a las que se les identificó su primer examen citopatológico en Siscolo entre 2007 y 2013. La tendencia temporal se evaluó mediante regresión lineal generalizada mediante el método Prais-Winsten. Resultado: El indicador de captación mostró tendencia creciente solo en Sur (p=0,038) mientras que la positividad general (cualquier alteración citopatológica) se mantuvo estacionaria en el país (p>0,108). La representatividad de la zona de transformación mostró una tendencia decreciente en todas regiones (p<0,05), mientras que la relación entre lesiones intraepitelial de alto grado y carcinoma células escamosas mostró una tendencia creciente en regiones Noreste (10,3 en 2007 a 13,3 en 2013), Sudeste (17,5 a 20,2) y Sur (20,2 a 30,4). Conclusión: La relación entre lesiones de alto grado y aumento de cáncer en tres regiones indica buen desempeño de detección en estos lugares. Los indicadores con tendencia estacionaria y tendencia decreciente en representatividad de la zona de transformación necesitan monitoreo.Palabras clave: sistemas de información en salud; neoplasias del cuello uterino; prueba de papanicolaou; tamizaje masivo; estudios de series temporales

A modeling analysis to compare eligibility strategies for lung cancer screening in Brazil.

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.

Rethinking Cervical Cancer Screening in Brazil Post COVID-19: A Global Opportunity to Adopt Higher Impact Strategies.

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.

Moving towards a strategy to accelerate cervical cancer elimination in a high-burden city-Lessons learned from the Amazon city of Manaus, Brazil.

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.

Covid-19 in Brazil in 2020: impact on deaths from cancer and cardiovascular disease / Covid-19 no Brasil em 2020: impacto nas mortes por câncer e doenças cardiovasculares

Objective: To analyze the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on cancer and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) as underlying cause of death and comorbidity in Brazil and regions in 2020. Methods: Data from cancer and CVD deaths as underlying cause and comorbidity occurred between March and December of 2019 and 2020 were gathered from the Mortality Information System (SIM) databases. COVID-19 deaths from 2020 were also analyzed. For the calculation of the Standardized Mortality Ratio (SMR) and estimate of excess deaths, data from 2019 were considered as standard. Results: Between March and December 2020, 181,377 deaths from cancer and 291,375 from CVD were registered in Brazil, indicating a reduction of 9.7% and 8.8%, respectively, if compared to the same period in the previous year. This pattern remained the same in the five Brazilian regions with the smallest variation for cancer (-8.4% in the South Region to -10.9% in the Midwest Region). An important variation was observed for CVD (-2.2% in the North region to -10.5 in the Southeast and South regions). In the same period of 2020, cancer and CVD were informed as comorbidities in 18,133 and 188,204 deaths, indicating a proportional excess when compared to the 2019 data, of 82.1% and 77.9%, respectively. This excess for both studied causes was more expressive in the North region, with a ratio of 2.5 between observed and expected deaths. Conclusions: The excess of deaths from cancer and CVD as comorbidities in 2020 may indicate that COVID-19 had an important impact among patients with these conditions.

Objetivos: Analisar o impacto da pandemia de COVID-19 na mortalidade por câncer e doenças cardiovasculares (DCV) como causa principal e comorbidade no Brasil e regiões em 2020. Métodos: Foram utilizadas as bases de dados do Sistema de Informações de Mortalidade (SIM) de 2019 e 2020 com óbitos ocorridos no período de março a dezembro desses anos referentes ao câncer e às DCV enquanto causa básica e como comorbidade na morte. Também foram analisados os óbitos por COVID-19 em 2020. Para o cálculo da razão de mortalidade padronizada (RMP) e estimativa do excesso de mortes, os dados de 2019 foram considerados como padrão. Resultados: Entre março e dezembro de 2020 ocorreram no Brasil 181.377 e 291.375 mortes por câncer e DCV, respectivamente, indicando redução de 9,7% e de 8,8% em relação ao mesmo período no ano anterior. Este padrão foi mantido nas cinco regiões brasileiras com menor variação para o câncer (-8,4% na Região Sul a -10,9% na Região Centro Oeste). Para as DCV houve uma maior variação, com -2,2% na Região Norte até -10,5 nas regiões Sudeste e Sul. No mesmo período de 2020, o câncer e as DCV foram classificados como comorbidade em 18.133 e 188.204 óbitos, indicando um excesso proporcional, se comparado aos dados de 2019, de 82,1% e 77,9%, respectivamente. Esse excesso foi mais expressivo para as duas condições estudadas na região Norte com uma razão de 2,5 entre mortes observadas e esperadas. Conclusões: O excesso de óbitos por câncer e DCV como comorbidade em 2020 pode indicar que a COVID-19 teve um importante impacto entre pacientes portadores dessas condições.