Cancer remains one of the diseases that pose the most challenges to health systems worldwide. When it comes to diagnosis and treatment, every day can be decisive for recovery.
According to the 2023 estimate – Cancer Incidence in Brazil, from the National Cancer Institute (INCA), the country is expected to register approximately 704,000 cases per year during the period 2023-2025.
The number considers the 21 most common types of diseases, such as breast, rectal, prostate, lung and stomach cancer. Depending on the type of illness, the chances of recovery reach 90%.
In Brasilia, this emergency has motivated the adoption of measures aimed at expanding and accelerating the care of patients with red classification cancer.
The Federal District Government launched the “Cancer doesn’t wait” program. Neither does the GDF”, with actions aimed at reducing the time it takes to start treatment in the public network.
Thanks to the program, the waiting time for the first appointment was reduced from 80 to 18 days; and, to date, more than a thousand patients have been treated, followed by the set of measures that have made it possible to offer more than 1,300 new treatments in the Federal District, such as the definition of faster service criteria.
The oncology care protocol also includes screening by specialists, referral to care at referral hospitals, and the provision of laboratory and imaging tests. In fact, 12 clinics were hired to increase service capacity.
In addition, the care is accompanied by palliative services and clinical follow-up after the end of treatment, guaranteeing complete support for the patient.
The program also covers:
- Working groups in public hospitals with the aim of speeding up screening and referral of patients.
- Accreditation of private clinics and hospitals, increasing service capacity.
- Line of care specific to oncology, with defined flows from diagnosis to treatment and post-therapeutic follow-up.
To benefit from the service, the patient must find the nearest basic health unit (UBS), where he will be assessed by a doctor and, if necessary, referred for further treatment.
UBS are open Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and are the first stop for anyone needing to investigate a suspected cancer.
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