ATENÇÃO PRIMARIA A SAÚDE COMO PORTA DE ENTRADA NO DIAGNÓSTICO PRECOCE DO CÂNCER: DESAFIOS E IMPACTOS NA SOBREVIDA

Abstract

Primary Health Care (PHC) plays a strategic role in the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS), serving as the main point of entry for the population to health services and a fundamental space for actions of promotion, prevention, diagnosis, and follow-up. In the context of cancer, a disease with a high incidence and impact on morbidity and mortality, early diagnosis is crucial for improving the prognosis, survival, and quality of life of patients. This study aimed to analyze Primary Health Care as an entry point for early cancer diagnosis, as well as to discuss the main challenges faced at this level of care and its impacts on the survival of individuals affected by the disease. This is an integrative literature review, conducted using searches in the BVS, SciELO, and PubMed databases, using descriptors related to Primary Care, early diagnosis, and cancer. The results show that PHC has great potential for the early detection of the disease, especially through screening, relationship building with users, and coordination of care. However, relevant challenges are identified, such as the overload of services, difficulties in accessing diagnostic tests, fragility in the articulation of the care network, and socioeconomic inequalities, which contribute to delays in diagnosis and the start of treatment. It is concluded that strengthening Primary Health Care is essential to expand early cancer diagnosis and positively impact patient survival, requiring structural investments, professional training, and efficient organization of care flows in the SUS (Brazilian Unified Health System).