BREAST CANCER: AN INTEGRATIVE SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF DIAGNOSIS AND PROGNOSIS

Abstract

Breast cancer is the second most common malignant neoplasm worldwide and the most common among women, making it one of the leading causes of death. The overall objective was to conduct a comprehensive and up-to-date study on breast cancer, not to exhaust the topic, but rather to contribute to discussions on prevention, prognosis, and treatment of patients already diagnosed. The methodology applied in this study was a systematic, integrative review using descriptors registered in terminology databases, applied to Capes Periodicals, and applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. The results were an updated overview of 10 articles selected for discussion. These articles addressed the inefficiency of prevention and early diagnosis programs, primarily due to the poor distribution of mammogram machines and the lack of inclusion of broader age groups in the Brazilian primary health care network, resulting in inefficient and delayed prognoses for many patients. It can be concluded that the factors to be analyzed to determine the severity of breast cancer vary greatly; however, the earlier the diagnosis, the more decisive the prognosis.