Brasília, April 1, 2004 (Agência Brasil) - Breast cancer is currently the chief cause of cancer deaths among Brazilian women. According to the Ministry of Health, diagnosis is belated in 60% of the cases.

Tomorrow (2), in Rio de Janeiro, the Ministry and the National Cancer Institute (Inca) will launch the Breast Consensus. The document contains the basic guidelines for a national policy to control breast cancer. What is new is that self-examination will no longer be encouraged as an isolated form of prevention, but, rather, as a step parallel to an examination performed by a specialized professional and a mammogram.

In 2003, according to Inca data, over nine thousand women died in consequence of the disease. And 41 thousand new cases were listed. Using the new strategies outlined in the Consensus, the Ministry plans to reduce the breast cancer mortality rate in Brazil by at least 20%.

For the Ministry of Health, early diagnosis contributes to a significant increase in the prospects and quality of life among women. The recommendation is for all women over 40 to submit to a clinical examination.

Translator: David Silberstein