[Cervical cancer screening in Brazil: a coverage analysis using the Brazilian Cancer Information System]

This study aimed to analyze the coverage of cervical cancer screening in Brazil and its Federative Units (UF, acronym in Portuguese) using secondary data from the Brazilian Cancer Information System (SISCAN, acronym in Portuguese), and to compare it with the index of exam rate in females, classically used as a proxy for coverage, and to estimate the possible coverage, if the national guidelines recommended by the Brazilian Ministry of Health were properly followed by health professionals. Cytopathological tests performed between 2021 and 2023 in women up to 64 years old, registered in SISCAN and in the Outpatient Information System of the SUS (SIA/SUS, acronym in Portuguese), were selected. Coverage and ratio indicators were calculated by UF of residence. The estimated screening coverage was estimated by adding up all the tests performed in the period in women up to 64 years old and dividing by the target population (25-64 years). The estimated screening coverage for Brazil was 35.6%, which is lower than the values of the index of exam rate (47.4 and 47.8 per 100 women according to SISCAN and SIA/SUS, respectively). It was found that by directing the tests to the appropriate age group and periodicity, coverage could reach 53.9% in Brazil and exceed 70% in Espírito Santo, Paraná and Santa Catarina. It was concluded that the rate index overestimates coverage by approximately 35% and that screening coverage is far below the 70% recommended by the World Health Organization. However, the sensitization of professionals regarding the guidelines of the Brazilian Ministry of Health can change this scenario, optimizing resources and generating a positive impact on cervical cancer incidence and mortality.