Prevenção do Câncer na Atenção Primária: Exames Recomendados e Abordagens Práticas : Uma Revisão de Literatura

Abstract

Primary care plays a central role in cancer prevention, both in promoting healthy habits and providing screening tests for early detection. Primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention work complementarily to reduce the incidence, mortality, and complications associated with cancer. Early diagnosis, made possible through screening tests, is crucial for improving patient prognosis and reducing the burden of the disease. The implementation of evidence-based guidelines ensures that these programs are safe, effective, and accessible to all. The literature confirms that screening is a vital tool for cancer prevention and control, provided it is conducted systematically and in accordance with clinical guidelines. Tests such as mammography, Pap smears, PSA, colonoscopy, and others discussed have a substantial impact on reducing mortality but must be applied cautiously, taking into account the risks and benefits for each individual. Implementing these strategies in primary healthcare remains a challenge, requiring ongoing efforts to overcome barriers to access and adherence. The implementation of screening programs in primary care, though beneficial, requires a series of adaptations and improvements in public health policies, professional training, and population awareness. Early detection, in addition to reducing mortality and improving quality of life, can alleviate the economic burden on the healthcare system, provided there is a coordinated effort to overcome logistical, social, and cultural barriers that hinder the universalization of these practices.