Impacts of mammograms on breast cancer (bc) in women in Paraíba: analysis of diagnostic parameters and their relationship with mortality

Introduction: Mammography is crucial for identifying neoplastic lesions at early stages, allowing for early breast cancer diagnosis and reducing associated mortality rates.

Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive quantitative study was conducted to assess the incidence of neoplastic breast lesions in Paraíba. Data collection used TABNET tools with access to the DATASUS database from January 2019 to July 2024, as well as the Ministry of Health’s mortality information system (SIM) database from January 2019 to July 2022. The target population consisted of women who had mammograms during this period. Analyzed variables included age, diagnostic findings, and mortality in Paraíba. Incidence rates were calculated based on 347,651 patients who underwent exams between 2019 and 2024, assessing parameters such as the number of mammograms per year, prevalent findings, and age groups by service location.

Result: For women aged 40 to 60, there was a 2.4% decrease in the number of exams from 2019 to 2022. During this period, worse prognosis mammographic findings increased by 15%, with cancerous lesions and Category 3 findings being most prominent. Additionally, there was an 8.9% increase in mortality rates for this age group.

Conclusion: The temporal overlap of decreased exam rates, increased worse prognosis findings, and rising mortality rates for breast neoplasms in women aged 40 to 60 in Paraíba underscores the health impact of reduced screening policies and worsening quality of life due to delayed cancer diagnosis. There is an urgent need for increased governmental efforts to promote breast health among women in Paraíba.

Corresponding author: Marilya Oliveira Ellery (e-mail: marilyaellery@gmail.com).