Analysis of screening mammograms results carried out in a public health service in Minas Gerais

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the results of screening mammograms performed in a public health service and the rates of tests and additional biopsies requested, as well as the characteristics of the tumors detected by these tests. Methods: A descriptive, retrospective study was carried out, based on the analysis of mammograms records of patients assisted at the Centro Estadual de Atenção Especializada (CEAE) in the city of Lavras (MG). Results: A total of 3,032 screening mammograms were carried out during the study period, and 145 (4.7%) abnormal tests were found, of which 130 were analyzed in the study. When compared to the result of altered mammography, 127 additional imaging tests and 22 breast biopsies were requested, culminating in the discovery of 13 breast carcinomas. Most diagnosed carcinomas (38.5% of total) were among the age group of 40-49 years. The staging of the tumors showed that most were in stage I (46.1%) and IIA (30.8%) and that most patients were submitted to the conservative surgery (84.6%) and did not undergo chemotherapy (53.8%). Conclusion: Mammographic screening remains an essential tool for early diagnosis and increased rates of cure from breast cancer. The reality of breast cancer is not homogeneous, with significant differences among countries and among different regions of the same country. The reduction of late breast cancer diagnosis in our midst requires the revision of the current official recommendations for the onset of mammographic screening, to improve the numbers of the disease in our country.