Brazil Broadens SUS Mammography Access to 40–74 as Mobile Units and Therapies Come Online

Overview

• New guidance guarantees access to mammography for women aged 40–49 by shared decision even without symptoms, sets biennial population screening for 50–74, and leaves testing above 74 to individualized assessment; the ministry notes 23% of cases occur between 40 and 49.
• Twenty-seven mobile women’s health units will operate across 22 states starting in October, providing consultations, mammograms, ultrasounds, and breast biopsies, with a target of up to 120,000 visits funded by R$18 million.
• The government will acquire 60 stereotactic biopsy kits using 2D and 3D imaging to increase diagnostic precision and reduce repeat procedures.
• From October, the SUS will add trastuzumabe entansina and CDK4/6 inhibitors (abemaciclibe, palbociclibe, ribociclibe) under a new breast-cancer protocol to expand treatment options.
• Bahia launched immediate implementation with 40,000 free exams in October, opening online bookings on Sept. 24 and offering in-station scheduling Sept. 24–26 at Lapa, Mussurunga, and Pirajá in Salvador, with procedures starting Oct. 1.