Overview

• INCA’s 2025 publication, released Oct. 3, estimates 73,610 new breast-cancer cases this year and identifies the disease as the top cause of cancer death among women, with more than 20,000 deaths recorded in 2023.
• Incidence and mortality vary sharply by state, with Santa Catarina showing the highest incidence, Roraima leading mortality, and Rio de Janeiro ranking second for both; RJ’s incidence is estimated at 70.57 per 100,000 for 2023–2025.
• Only about 30% of eligible women receive screening through the SUS, with coverage ranging from roughly 5.3% in some Northern states to 33% in Espírito Santo, and INCA leaders urge organized biennial screening with targets cited from 70% up to a WHO-aligned 90%.
• Mortality has decreased for women aged 40–49 since 2020 and increased among those 80 and older, with the largest share of deaths occurring between ages 50 and 69, while the South shows the best recent improvement in time to first treatment.
• In Rio de Janeiro, fewer than 30% of women 50–74 obtain biennial mammograms and fixed diagnostic centers report spare capacity even as mobile units face long waits, as the Health Ministry promotes the Agora Tem Especialista program to expand early diagnosis and reduce treatment queues, including through new drug incorporations.