Avaliação da distribuição de mamógrafos no estado de Minas Gerais

Abstract

According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer is the second main cause of death worldwide and is estimated to rank first in 2030. Among the different types of this disease, breast cancer is the second most frequent in the world population, and the main cause of death in women in both developed and in developing countries, such as Brazil. Mammography is the main resource of breast cancer screening, being considered the most effective and the gold standard for early diagnosis. In general, mammographic screening programs produce more benefits when performed in an organized and regular way. However, in Brazil, the program is opportunistic in most of the country. This study evaluates the geographical mammography distribution in Brazil and in Minas Gerais state, studies public policies to encourage breast cancer prevention and verifies the participation of Minas Gerais mammography services in in the National Quality Program in Mammography (PNQM). The results showed that, in Minas Gerais, the total number of mammography devices available for use is greater than the number of equipment required by Brazilian legislation, for population coverage. However, these mammography devices are poorly distributed in health macro-regions and micro-regions in the state, following the national trend of inequality in the spatial configuration of the equipment supply network. In addition, only a small portion of mammography units from the Minas Gerais services meet the quality control parameters established by PNQM. It is concluded that the supply of mammography devices in Brazil and in Minas Gerais state should be improved through evaluations of local demands, being necessary a better planning of equipment allocation. Besides that, it is extremely important the development and implementation of actions that allow putting into practice the determinations established in plans and projects for health.