World Cancer Day: Need for urgent and efficient action

In 2025, the international campaign “United by the Unique” proposed by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) invites us to think about the growing number of diagnoses and the impact that cancer has on the lives of each patient and their families. Confronting cancer requires unity, and the common cause that should guide us is the search for equitable and quality care.

In Brazil, cancer is one of the leading causes of death. More than 700,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. In 2022, approximately 240,000 lives were lost due to this disease. There are 1,920 new cases per day and 656 deaths. Cancer kills one person every two minutes, therefore. According to projections by INCA (National Cancer Institute), within a decade, cancer could be the leading cause of death in Brazil, surpassing even heart disease.

Gap between public and private networks

Although early diagnosis and advances in treatment play a fundamental role in cancer treatment, the reality is that many still face difficulties in accessing adequate care quickly. There is a gap between the care offered to those who have access to health plans and those who use the SUS.

Achieving equity in care for cancer patients requires a joint effort and the advancement of several crucial initiatives. The National Policy for Cancer Prevention and Control was sanctioned in 2023 and brought important advances to the cancer care network in the country.

However, the regulation of this policy is eight months late. The ordinances are ready, but have not been published in the Official Gazette. Without them, the promised advances will not materialize in practice. The implementation of this policy will be essential to ensure greater equity in treatment and access to a more efficient and inclusive care system.

Early detection of cancer is one of the greatest allies in successful treatment. However, we still have obstacles to ensuring rapid diagnosis. Implementing the PMAE (Program for Improving Access to Specialists), which establishes a 30-day deadline for diagnosis, is an essential measure. It is also necessary to invest in training health professionals and eliminate long waiting lists for exams and consultations, which currently contribute to late detection of cases.

Obstacles to new treatments

Access to new treatments and clinical protocols also has its obstacles. In recent years, the Ministry of Health has incorporated 20 new drugs into the SUS for the treatment of cancer, but the distribution of these drugs is still uneven, with many patients without access to them. The creation of Clinical Protocols and Therapeutic Guidelines (PCDT) for the different types of cancer is one of the main needs to standardize care and ensure consistency in treatments. Today, only breast cancer has a PCDT published and in force, with new technologies incorporated (cyclin inhibitors and trastuzumab emtansine), but without a defined financing model. Which once again means a lack of access for women who can benefit.

Need for a multidisciplinary approach

Let's not forget: cancer treatment goes beyond medicine. Patients face emotional, psychological and social challenges during their journey. Ensuring that they have access to a multidisciplinary approach, with psychological, nutritional, social and physiotherapy support, is essential for them to feel welcomed and receive quality care throughout their treatment. Palliative care has also come into play, ensuring the quality of life of patients with serious, chronic or terminal illnesses and is an essential part of oncological care, although it is still not accessible to all patients.

Fight for attention and effective policies

World Cancer Day helps us reflect on the situation of cancer in Brazil and join forces in search of concrete solutions. Confronting cancer requires everyone. Governments, health professionals, organizations and citizens need to come together to develop a fairer health system, with access to prevention, early diagnosis, effective treatment and palliative care. Only through awareness, support for public policies and collective action will we be able to save more lives.

In 2025, with the “United by the Unique” campaign, we can all make a difference and contribute to a healthier and more equal future. The Oncoguia Institute works with patients and families to improve their reality. Today, there are four main points of attention: regulating the national cancer prevention and control policy; ensuring access to early diagnosis; ensuring equitable access to new treatments; and ensuring comprehensive care and palliative care.

The National Cancer Prevention and Control Policy was enacted in 2023 and brings important advances to the cancer care network in Brazil. However, as already mentioned, there is a lack of regulation – the so-called ordinances – so that these advances can become reality and reach everyone.

It is already known that the earlier a cancer diagnosis is made, the greater the chances of a cure. Oncoguia advocates the effective implementation of the PMAE, the More Access to Specialists Program, to ensure diagnosis within 30 days and access to exams and specialists in a fast and efficient manner.

For more equitable access to innovations

Equitable access to pharmaceutical innovations and the publication of Clinical Protocols and Therapeutic Guidelines are also fundamental to the success and cure of cancer. These protocols guarantee adequate and standardized treatment for all SUS patients, regardless of the region they live in.

In addition to medical treatment, patients need nutritional, psychological, physiotherapy and social support. Oncoguia also advocates for the expansion of the palliative care network, which is essential to improving quality of life during treatment.

To encourage reflection on these issues on World Cancer Day, the Oncoguia Institute is holding a public event on Avenida Paulista, in São Paulo, to raise awareness of the fight against cancer and demand concrete actions from governments. It is possible to change the scenario. But to do so, we need governments to prioritize cancer treatment. We need effective, sustainable and fair public policies. Enough with inequalities, enough with losing lives due to lack of action.

On February 4th, starting at 9 am, the Oncoguia team and volunteer patients will be on Paulista Avenue to talk to the public, raise awareness about cancer, answer questions and provide support to those who need information about the disease. The presence of volunteer patients will humanize the fight against cancer and offer emotional support to those who feel isolated or have difficulty dealing with the diagnosis.

At 12:30 pm, there will be a two-minute whistle in front of FIESP, bringing together supporters. The event aims to draw attention to the growing number of cancer deaths in the country and the need for more effective public policies to prevent, diagnose and treat the disease in an equitable and accessible manner.

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