Care flow of breast cancer patients in the public health care network

Abstract

A cross-sectional, analytical study with the aim to analyze the prevalence and factors associated to the care flow of breast cancer patients at the three levels of health care exclusively in the Unified Health System (SUS - Sistema Único de Saúde). Ninety-two women with breast cancer aged between 29 and 82 years in outpatient care at tertiary level of health care in SUS were interviewed. The prevalence of use of the flow performed exclusively in SUS at the three levels of health care was 43.5% (95% CI 33.6-53.7). About a third of women had consultations or exams performed in the private network, especially mammography. The factors associated with use of the flow exclusively in SUS at the three levels were age ?20 years at first gynecological visit (OR = 2.55), and not having paid work (OR = 3.28). These results suggest the need for improved access to the public health care network for women with breast cancer.