Federal District and 4 States offer testing through SUS; around 10% of cases diagnosed in the country are hereditary in origin
Free genetic mapping carried out by the SUS (Unified Health System) is helping to detect breast cancer early, the type of tumor in Brazil. The exam analyzes the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, responsible for hereditary predispositions to the disease. According to Inca (National Cancer Institute), all cancer cases diagnosed in the country are hereditary in origin.
The initiative gained strength from the Lei nº 7,049/2015known as “She Angelina Jolie”. In 2013, the American actress revealed to The New York Times who performed a bilateral prophylactic mastectomy (surgery to remove both breasts) after identifying the BRCA1 genetic mutation, which significantly increases the risk of breast cancer.
The 2015 law allowed the government of Rio de Janeiro to sign agreements with the SUS to offer tests to detect mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes to women with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer. After that, other units of the Federation created similar legislation: Minas Gerais (2019), Goiás and Distrito Federal (2020), and Amazonas (2021).
Although the listed states and the DF have legislation that provides for the exam, only Goiás. In October 2023, the (Secretariat of State for Health) signed a partnership with UFG (Federal University of Goiás), and the first exams began in January 2024. From 2020 to 2023, breast cancer caused the death of 1,993 women in Goiás.
RISK FACTORS
Breast cancer does not have a single cause. Its development is associated with several factors, including age, hormonal and reproductive aspects, behaviors and environmental conditions, as well as genetic and hereditary factors.
The risk of developing the disease is greater in women aged 50 and over. This occurs due to the accumulation of exposures throughout life and the natural biological changes that accompany aging, both of which contribute to increased vulnerability to cancer.
Today, the SUS considers the following to be at risk:
- women with at least one first-degree relative (mother, sister or daughter) diagnosed with breast cancer, under the age of 50;
- women with at least one first-degree relative (mother, sister or daughter) diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer or ovarian cancer, in any age group;
- women with a family history of male breast cancer;
- women with a histopathological diagnosis of proliferative breast lesion with atypia or lobular neoplasia on site.
