Keywords
Early diagnosis
Health policies
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Abstract
Objective: To analyze Brazilian public policies aimed at the early diagnosis of breast cancer in young women, identifying gaps and proposing strategies to improve disease detection and management. Literature review: Breast cancer is the most common among women, with 2.3 million cases in 2020. In Brazil, between 2023 and 2025, 73,610 new cases are expected annually. Although more frequent in women over 50, young patients face more aggressive tumors and late diagnoses due to lower risk perception and mammography limitations in dense breasts. Brazilian policies prioritize screening for women aged 50 to 69, while for younger women, screening is based on risk factors but faces challenges such as limited access to genetic testing and regional inequalities. Additionally, inadequate practices, such as overdiagnosis, lead to resource waste and strain the healthcare system. Conclusion: Overcoming barriers to early diagnosis requires educational actions, strengthening primary care, and emerging technologies such as liquid biopsies. Integrated strategies are essential to reduce inequalities, optimize resources, and improve clinical outcomes, especially in vulnerable populations. This study reinforces the importance of interventions that impact mortality reduction and healthcare system efficiency, promoting equitable and sustainable care.
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