NURSING PRACTICE IN EARLY DETECTION OF BREAST CANCER IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Introduction: Breast cancer occupies a relevant position in women’s health policies, and nursing professionals participate in early detection actions in Primary Health Care, including guidance, screening, recognition of suspicious signs, and follow-up of patients. Objective: To analyze the evidence on nursing practice in the early detection of breast cancer in Primary Health Care, including screening and early diagnosis. Methodology: Integrative review conducted with support from the PRISMA 2020 recommendations. PubMed/MEDLINE, LILACS, and SciELO were searched, considering publications from 2016 to 2024, in addition to complementary searches of reference lists. A total of 207 records were identified in the databases, of which 38 were duplicates, leaving 169 for screening. In a separate pathway, 10 publications were identified through complementary searching. After eligibility assessment, 13 studies composed the final sample, 10 from the databases and three from the complementary search. Results: Nursing actions related to screening mammography, health education, assessment of breast abnormalities, referral, active search, documentation, and follow-up were identified, as well as barriers involving professional training, service organization, infrastructure, and access. Conclusion: Nursing participates in different stages of early detection, and its practice depends on organized care pathways, continuing education, and adequate records.