PROFILE OF INITIAL BREAST CANCER DETECTION BY DIAGNOSTIC METHOD AND MAMMOGRAPHY COVERAGE IN THE STATE OF PARANÁ AND IN BRAZIL (2020 TO 2024): AN ANALYSIS BASED ON SISCAN DATA

Abstract

The study analyzed the initial detection profile of breast cancer in Brazil and the state of Paraná between 2020 and 2024, using SISCAN data to assess the relationship between mammographic coverage and diagnostic modality. Women aged 40 to 74 years were included, with analysis of the proportions of mammograms performed and cases of malignant neoplastic lesions detected through clinical examination (palpable lesions) or imaging (non-palpable lesions). The results showed that Paraná had higher mammographic coverage than the Brazilian average across all age groups, exceeding the national coverage by 57% (average from 2020 to 2024). The age groups 40–44 and 70–74 years had the lowest screening rates in both settings. Regarding the detection modality, clinical diagnosis predominated in Brazil, indicating a higher proportion of palpable tumors and possibly more advanced stages, whereas in Paraná, imaging-based diagnoses prevailed, suggesting greater effectiveness in early detection. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic was also observed, with a temporary reduction in detections in Paraná between 2021 and 2022, followed by subsequent recovery. We conclude that expanding mammographic coverage, especially in the extreme age groups, and strengthening the care pathway are essential measures to improve early breast cancer detection in the country and the state.