Repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on breast cancer actions in a Brazilian state

Abstract

Objective. To analyze whether the COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on the screening, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer in women up to 50 years of age in the state of Pará. Methods. Retrospective, cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach, using data from the Information Technology Department of the Brazilian Unified Health System. (DATASUS). The number of exams carried out in the pre-pandemic (2018-2019) and pandemic (2020-2021) period was analyzed based on the percentage variation, application of the chi-square test and G test for the time of exams and start time of treatment. Results. During the pandemic period, there was a greater number of screening mammograms (+3.68%), cytological (+23.68%), histological (+10.7%) and a lower number of diagnostic mammograms (-38.7%). The time interval for carrying out the exams was up to 30 days for screening and diagnostic exams and more than 60 days to start treatment during the pandemic period. Conclusion. Although the results indicate an increase in the number of screening and diagnostic procedures for breast cancer during the pandemic period, with the exception of diagnostic mammography, when considering probability values, the study points out that statistically the COVID-19 pandemic did not interfere with actions of breast cancer, in women over 50 years of age, in the state of Pará. Considering the autonomy of nursing and its role in public health, it is up to the professionals who are in charge of primary care programs to implement contingency plans in periods of crisis so that the population is not left unassisted.