Women's health in Brazil faces challenges from work and domestic burdens

Data from recent studies highlight significant barriers to women's healthcare in Brazil, particularly regarding breast cancer prevention. A survey by the employment platform Catho reveals that 37% of women have postponed medical appointments or exams due to work routines, while 4% do not regularly seek medical follow-ups. Regarding breast cancer, 23% of respondents have never had a mammogram, and 11% are more than two years overdue for the exam. The National Cancer Institute (INCA) estimates that Brazil will see approximately 78,610 new cases of the disease annually between 2026 and 2028.

These challenges are linked to domestic and professional burdens. IBGE data shows that in 2022, women dedicated an average of 21.3 hours per week to domestic chores and caregiving, compared to 11.7 hours for men. Additionally, Ministry of Health data from 2023 indicates that 43.1% of adult women did not reach sufficient physical activity levels, compared to 29.8% of men.

In response to the Pink October awareness campaign, initiatives like Espaço Kamala in Petrópolis are promoting practices such as yoga to encourage body awareness and mental health. Experts emphasize that corporate culture must evolve to ensure that health needs are not treated as secondary to professional demands.