ADVANCES IN CANCER SCREENING AND EARLY DIAGNOSIS: CHALLENGES IN SUS

Abstract

This article aimed to analyze the main technological advances in cancer screening and early diagnosis and identify the structural, economic, and sociocultural barriers that limit their implementation in the context of Brazil’s Unified Health System (SUS). The methodology consisted of a narrative literature review in the PubMed, Scopus, Science, and BMC Public Health databases, covering publications from 2023 to 2025 on multicancer tests based on circulating tumor DNA, liquid biopsies, artificial intelligence algorithms for interpreting mammography and computed tomography, and telemedicine strategies. The results indicated sensitivity above 90 % in multicancer tests and a reduction of up to 30 % in diagnostic variability with AI, as well as an expansion of up to 40 % in screening coverage through telemedicine mobile units. However, regional disparities in equipment availability, high costs of technological validation, and stigma compromising adherence were identified. It is concluded that equitable incorporation of these innovations into the SUS requires strengthening primary care, protocol standardization, professional training, and educational campaigns aimed at overcoming cultural barriers.