Breast cancer screening expansion in Brazil

Health authorities in various Brazilian regions are expanding diagnostic capabilities for breast cancer through new equipment and mobile initiatives. In Pernambuco, the Hospital da Mulher in Recife has implemented a GE Pristina digital mammography machine, an investment of R$ 1.5 million made in partnership with the Federal Government. This technology enables 600 mammographies per month and includes stereotactic capabilities for precise lesion location. Additionally, in Petrolina, the ‘Cuida Mais Mulher’ mobile unit has facilitated over 1,300 mammographies, with results accessible via digital platforms. In Ceará, the city of Caucaia has installed new mammography equipment at the Hospital e Maternidade Santa Terezinha. This initiative, conducted in partnership with the Government of Ceará, aims to allow women aged 40 and older to receive exams locally, performing up to 30 exams per day. The rollout coincides with the ‘Outubro Rosa’ awareness campaign. Expanding on these efforts, the federal ‘Agora Tem Especialistas’ program is utilizing mobile units to decentralize medical services. In response to the ‘Outubro Rosa’ campaign, a mobile unit in Franca is providing mammographies, biopsies, and specialist consultations across 13 municipalities. Further mobile diagnostic services have been deployed at shopping and community centers in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro to reduce the need for long-distance travel to major medical hubs. Recent deployments of specialized mobile units continue to broaden service reach. In Santa Cruz do Capibaribe, Pernambuco, a Ministry of Health mobile unit is conducting approximately 120 daily exams, including CT scans and ultrasounds, for residents across eight regional cities. In Porto Seguro, Basic Health Units (UBSs) have dedicated resources to breast cancer prevention, offering guidance, mammogram scheduling, and ultrasounds.