Seguimento de mulheres rastreadas para o câncer de mama com lesões provavelmente benignas no estado do Rio de Janeiro.

Abstract

In Brazil, since 2004, the Ministry of Health recommends the screening of breast cancer and for women who present results with probably benign lesions it is recommended to perform a radiological control after six months of the result. This study aims to evaluate adherence to these recommendations by analyzing the follow-up of women screened for breast cancer with lesions likely to be benign in the last quarter of 2011 of Rio de Janeiro state for at least two years, comparing the characteristics of these women and were identified later in the databases consulted with those not identified, estimating the median time between the date of the initial mammography release and the performance of the control exam and investigating the factors associated with this time. As data sources, the Breast Cancer Information System (SISMAMA) and the Mortality Information System (SIM) were used. A relationship methodology was applied between the databases of Rio de Janeiro state and, from the traced women with a probable benign lesion, the follow-up was evaluated. The sociodemographic, clinical, radiological and care characteristics of the women identified in the SISMAMA and the SIM were calculated and those who underwent the radiological control during the study period. Clinical and radiological characteristics related to control mammography were also evaluated. The Kaplan-Meier method and the Log-rank test were used to compare the Cox variables' strata and proportional hazards model in order to evaluate factors associated with the repetition of the test. The reference cohort was constructed with 1261 women. A total of 498 women were identified and 482 women underwent radiological control. The median time between the release of the first exam and the achievement of control was 12 months. The intervals related to the request, achievement and release of control from the release of the first result were greater than 9 months for more than half of the women. In the comparison of the strata of the variables, only the municipality of residence and the age group presented statistically significant differences. Age equal to or less than 70 years, living outside the capital and presenting risk for breast cancer were associated with a shorter time to control. The median time related to the repetition of the exam was considered high, double that recommended by the Ministry of Health. The findings of this study suggest the need for improvements in the registration of information, access to early detection actions and the qualification of professionals for the success of the breast cancer control actions.