Inequalities in Access to Cancer Treatment for Rural Women in the Brazilian Amazon: Limits of a Health Mobility Program
1
Graduate Program in Politics Culture and Environment, Federal University of the São Francisco Valley, Juazeiro/Petrolina, Brazil
2
Unidade Acadêmica Serra Talhada, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Serra Talhada, Brazil
3
Graduate Program in Culture and Territory Studies, Federal University of Northern Tocantins, Araguaína, Brazil
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
This study analyzes the challenges faced by rural women in the Brazilian Amazon in accessing breast and cervical cancer treatment through the Unified Health System (SUS), focusing on disparities in remote regions.
METHODS:
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 cancer patients, 18 accompaniment persons, and 18 municipal health managers from small and mid-sized municipalities in Amazonas, Pará, and Tocantins. The research focuses on the Out-of-Home Treatment Program (TFD) 1, 2, evaluating its efficacy in facilitating access to distant health services.
RESULTS:
The TFD, while crucial, is hindered by bureaucracy, coverage limitations, and delays in providing transport and allowances. A dearth of information regarding screening and care pathways results in delayed diagnoses 3. These factors often result in delays in treatment, which can have negative consequences for patients' health and well-being 4. Key barriers include: i) scarce specialized services in remote areas; ii) extended journeys to urban centers; iii) insufficient free public transportation in rural/riverside communities; and iv) associated financial hardships. Deficiencies in referrals to secondary/tertiary care settings indicates the presence of systemic deficiencies in the SUS coordination. These access barriers are multidimensional, involving geographical, socialeconomic, and cultural factors5 that exacerbate rural women's vulnerability.
CONCLUSIONS:
The study underscores the necessity for the implementation of specific public policies tailored to the needs of the isolated Amazon population. The TFD has been found to be inadequate in its provision of comprehensive care, as it has failed to take into account the territorial realities that are in place. The implementation of urgent, streamlined strategies that integrate promotion, prevention, and treatment is imperative, with due consideration for local contexts. The successful overcoming of barriers necessitates the expansion of service networks, training of context-sensitive professionals, and the strengthening of social support systems. Ensuring equitable access to cancer care remains a challenge requiring continuous intersectoral efforts.
This study analyzes the challenges faced by rural women in the Brazilian Amazon in accessing breast and cervical cancer treatment through the Unified Health System (SUS), focusing on disparities in remote regions.
METHODS:
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 cancer patients, 18 accompaniment persons, and 18 municipal health managers from small and mid-sized municipalities in Amazonas, Pará, and Tocantins. The research focuses on the Out-of-Home Treatment Program (TFD) 1, 2, evaluating its efficacy in facilitating access to distant health services.
RESULTS:
The TFD, while crucial, is hindered by bureaucracy, coverage limitations, and delays in providing transport and allowances. A dearth of information regarding screening and care pathways results in delayed diagnoses 3. These factors often result in delays in treatment, which can have negative consequences for patients' health and well-being 4. Key barriers include: i) scarce specialized services in remote areas; ii) extended journeys to urban centers; iii) insufficient free public transportation in rural/riverside communities; and iv) associated financial hardships. Deficiencies in referrals to secondary/tertiary care settings indicates the presence of systemic deficiencies in the SUS coordination. These access barriers are multidimensional, involving geographical, socialeconomic, and cultural factors5 that exacerbate rural women's vulnerability.
CONCLUSIONS:
The study underscores the necessity for the implementation of specific public policies tailored to the needs of the isolated Amazon population. The TFD has been found to be inadequate in its provision of comprehensive care, as it has failed to take into account the territorial realities that are in place. The implementation of urgent, streamlined strategies that integrate promotion, prevention, and treatment is imperative, with due consideration for local contexts. The successful overcoming of barriers necessitates the expansion of service networks, training of context-sensitive professionals, and the strengthening of social support systems. Ensuring equitable access to cancer care remains a challenge requiring continuous intersectoral efforts.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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