Epidemiological analysis of the pandemic and post-pandemic period in the diagnosis of breast cancer in north of Brazil

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to discuss Brazilian statistical data after the end of the COVID-19 pandemic in the diagnosis of breast cancer in the screening age range recommended by the Ministry of Health (MS) 50–69 years, served in the
states of the north of Brazil. Methodology: An epidemiological, descriptive, quantitative, and comparative study was
carried out from January 2020 to December 2023 based on data collected from the Cancer Information System (SISCAN).
The options that were chosen were as follows: “mammogram by patients,” “Brazil by region”; “period: 2020 to 2023”; “female”
“age range: 50 to 69 years”; and “BI-RARDS 4 and 5 mammography report.” The number of mammograms suggestive of breast cancer between the period of 2020 and 2021 (pandemic years) and 2022 and 2023 (post-pandemic years) was compared, analyzing the states: Amazonas, Pará, Acre, Roraima, Rondônia, Amapá, and Tocantins. Results: Throughout 4 years
among the 7 selected states, the total number of mammograms suggestive of breast cancer was 2557. Most states saw
an increase in the number of breast cancer diagnoses, except Pará (-25%) and Amapá (-57%), comparing 2020 and 2021.
Overall, the states continued to see an increase in the number of diagnoses, except Acre (-27%) and Amapá (-95%), in the
years 2021 and 2022. Finally, all states increased diagnoses between 2022 and 2023, except Acre (-20%), and Rondônia
(-3%). Conclusion: Therefore, given the results obtained in this work, it is clear the importance of producing new qualitative research on the topic, in a way that the relationships between the pandemic and post-pandemic period of breast
cancer in Brazil are understood, as there are not many discussions about whether the tracking that occurred during the
period was satisfying or not. With that being said, it is expected that this analysis will encourage news searches so that
the question gets fully understood.