Tendências e padrões espaciais de rastreamento do câncer do colo do útero no Brasil

Abstract

Introduction: Cervical cancer is an insidious disease among the female population, being the second most common among women aged 15 to 44 in the world and its mortality rate increases progressively with age. This disease can be adequately screened for using a simple Pap smear. Objective: to analyze the trends and spatial patterns of cervical cancer screening in Brazil. Methodology: This is a population-based ecological study with a mixed design, with a temporal trend and multiple groups, based on secondary data recorded in the Ambulatory Information System, of the Information Technology Department of the Unified Health System, in period from 2013 to 2022, by place of residence. The outcome variable was considered to be cytopathological examinations of the cervix carried out in Brazil. For the analysis of temporal trends in the performance of cytopathological examinations of the cervix, the Immediate Regions of Urban Articulation were considered. Results: The results showed that there are still inequities in the coverage of cytopathological examination in some regions in Brazil, causing social, economic, cultural and environmental conditions of Brazilians, as well as the supply of nurses and the conditions of primary health care, lead to some regions having different coverage in relation to the exam. Conclusion: From this perspective, universal access to screening, the reduction of regional disparities and the promotion of women's health in Brazil require awareness, investments in human resources and improvements in public policies.