Breast cancer model of care in the province of Buenos Aires:
New screening recommendations
Keywords:
Breast Cancer, Early Detection of Cancer, Screening, ArgentinaAbstract
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer and the main cause
of cancer-related death in women worldwide. In Argentina, the National Cancer Institute (INC) had recommended since 2015 that screening begin at age 50, every one or two years. However, the closure of this institution, in a context of absence of national health leadership, has progressively required the provinces to assume greater responsibilities and make innovative decisions - especially in the coordination and continuity of cancer care, as well as in the main lines of care.
In the province of Buenos Aires, approximately 8,500 new cases and
2,200 annual deaths from breast cancer are recorded, representing
17% of deaths among women aged 40 to 49. Between 2021 and 2024, 96,429 mammograms were performed in patients with exclusive public health coverage, with a significant proportion corresponding to women under 50. In addition, 30% of radiotherapy treatments and 33% of drug treatment for patients with public coverage are provided to this age group, highlighting the need for
earlier screening.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends adapting
international guidelines to local resources, contexts, and priorities.
Many countries start screening at the age of 40, such as the United States, where the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends biennial mammography between ages 40 and 74 for women at average risk, as well as Mexico and Brazil. International evidence shows that early detection through mammography can reduce mortality by 30% - 40%.
This report presents current epidemiological data on breast cancer and analyses available registry data and healthcare resources. Based on this information, together with the scientific evidence available and the support of many national and provincial scientific societies, the Ministry of Health of Buenos Aires province decided to update the breast cancer care pathway, lowering the starting age for biennial screening to 40, up to age 75, in women with no personal or family history of breast cancer.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Marina Pifano, Silvia Ferroni, Carolina Begue, Nicolás Kreplak, Jonatan Konfino
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