Overview of Mammography and Breast Cancer Screening in the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) in the State of Rio Grande do Norte (2014–2023)

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the distribution and trends of screening mammograms performed in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, between 2014 and 2023. Methods: This is a descriptive study based on secondary data extracted from the Department of Informatics of the Brazilian Unified Health System (DATASUS), specifically from the Cancer Information System (SISCAN) subsection. Descriptive analyses of absolute and relative frequencies were performed, along with an evaluation of the BI-RADS® classification of the exams conducted. Results: Between 2014 and 2023, 481,537 screening mammograms were performed in the state, showing a progressive increase over the years and a 163.1% growth in 2023 compared to 2014, despite a 36.63% decline in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The majority of the exams were performed on women (99.8%) aged 40–59 years (75.04%). Regarding BI-RADS® classification, the predominant results were categories 1 and 2 (84.4%), indicating normal or benign findings. Exams suggestive of malignancy (BI-RADS® 5 and 6) were less frequent, representing 0.14% and 0.02%, respectively. Conclusion: The study revealed a significant increase in the number of mammograms performed, with a predominance of normal or benign results, in line with screening guidelines. The findings underscore the importance of screening in the early detection of breast abnormalities, particularly in the priority age group, and the need for strategies to mitigate adverse impacts, such as those observed during the COVID-19 pandemic.