Impactos da pandemia de COVID-19 na incidência do câncer do colo do útero no estado de Minas Gerais

Abstract

Introduction: Cervical cancer, associated with the Human Papillomavirus, is preventable through cytopathological examination, essential for early diagnosis and treatment. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the performance of these exams decreased significantly due to the prioritization of resources and the postponement of screenings. Objective: The objective of this study was to analyze the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence of cervical cancer in the state of Minas Gerais, comparing the performance of preventive exams and data on new cases before, during and after the pandemic period. Methodology: This is a quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study. A comparative analysis was carried out of the data recorded by the Unified Health System through the National Cancer Institute José Alencar Gomes da Silva – INCA and the Minas Gerais State Department of Health, regarding the number of cervical-vaginal cytopathological exams performed and incidence of cervical cancer in Minas Gerais from 2019 to 2022. Results and Discussion: The COVID-19 pandemic caused a 42.8% reduction in cytopathological exams in Minas Gerais in 2020, attributed to sanitary restrictions. Despite a partial recovery in 2021, numbers remained below pre-pandemic levels. In 2022, exams approached 2019 standards, with a difference of just 2.6%, indicating a resumption of preventive actions. However, the drastic reduction in exams in 2020 compromised early diagnosis, increasing the number of cases in advanced stages in subsequent years. Conclusion: The article sought to describe the impact regarding the increased incidence of malignant neoplasia with the reduction in the number of exams performed during the isolation period due to COVID-19. These findings reinforce the need to strengthen screening programs and mitigate delays in diagnosis, especially in health crisis scenarios, in order to reduce the negative implications in the management of cervical cancer.