Portal de Periódicos da CAPES

Detección temprana del cáncer de mama: aspectos críticos para un programa de tamizaje organizado en Colombia

2005; Elsevier BV; Volume: 9; Issue: 3 Linguagem: Inglês

2346-0199

Sandra Díaz, Marion Piñeros, Oswaldo Sánchez,

Global Cancer Incidence and Screening

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer around the world, in Colombia, although its incidence is considered low in comparison with developed countries like the United States of America, mortality and incidence figures show increases. As a public health problem, breast cancer has to be addressed with appropriate early detection strategies for its control. The present article reviews the main,aspects to consider when establishing a screening program; the basic concepts are discussed, a summary of the evidence regarding efficacy of mammography, clinical breast examination and self-exam is presented, and a brief review of what has happened in our country in relation with the early detection of breast cancer. In Colombia, it is necessary to make a great effort to gather information of the disease pattern and the related health care aspects; it is necessary to review the evidence on cost-effectiveness of the programs in other countries and other critical aspects must be considered to orientate a well-informed decision about early breast cancer detection in the country.