From diagnosis, through care, treatment and monitoring, technology is increasingly crucial to combat this disease which, according to data from the National Cancer Institute (INCA), is expected to be diagnosed in more than 73 thousand Brazilian women between 2023 and 2025.
In today’s rapidly advancing technology landscape, digital transformation is redefining how we interact with healthcare services. Telemedicine has gained prominence in recent years as an essential tool for providing remote and accessible healthcare. However, it is essential to understand that digital health goes beyond digital consultations. The intersection of technology and healthcare is creating a comprehensive ecosystem, shaping not only the way healthcare is delivered, but also how it is managed and perceived by patients.
In this context, it is essential to explore the multiple dimensions of digital health to fully understand its transformative potential and significant impact on the future of healthcare. This includes, for example, its inclusion as a fundamental part of important campaigns in the health calendar, such as Pink October.
Digital health plays a crucial role in providing comprehensive support for prevention, diagnosis and effective treatment. Through mobile apps, online platforms and connected devices, women can access essential information on early detection, risk factors and self-care practices related to breast cancer. In addition, digital health facilitates access to specialized telemedicine services, enabling remote consultations, continuous monitoring and personalized counseling for patients, expanding the reach of medical interventions and promoting a more holistic approach to the care of this delicate condition.
And the advances are ever greater. Daniel S. Morel, medical director of Tuinda Care and oncologist, explains that artificial intelligence (AI), for example, has helped doctors in making accurate diagnoses and can support the choice of more assertive treatments. In studies, it has proven to be a valuable ally in detecting suspicious breast nodules, contributing to early diagnosis and, consequently, improving the treatment and survival prospects of patients.
“In fact, some artificial intelligence models have proven to be as effective as trained radiologists in evaluating mammograms,” Morel points out. The executive also explains that in a study published in June 2023 in the journal Radiology, by the American Society of Radiology, scientists compared the use of AI algorithms with models used by doctors to predict the development of breast cancer. “The AI algorithm predicted cancer risk better than clinical models. The conclusion was that combining technology and traditional methods facilitates early diagnosis.”
Hannah Rosa Beineke, Marketing Manager at Grupo PróVida, also highlights the important role of early diagnosis of breast cancer and the role of digital health in this context. The executive shares one of the company's actions, which is to perform preventive exams in companies. To do this, it is possible to perform the exams with the help of portable equipment and Artificial Intelligence. There is already technology on the market that performs diagnoses based on thousands of mammograms, ultrasounds and biopsies in a powerful neural network that evaluates thousands of variables and delivers a fast and safe result to medical teams.
Furthermore, it is part of the role of digital health, service providers and technology suppliers to create innovative solutions that impact people's quality of life, improving access to healthcare, working from prevention and enhancing well-being.
Gino Ichazo, medical director of DOC24 Brazil, explains that in this scenario of a hyperconnected society, it is necessary to monitor and enhance the digital transformation of public and private organizations. He explains how, in practice, women's care is provided.
“Consultations are carried out online, during which we provide preventive care and monitor women’s health. Mammograms and ultrasounds can be requested to detect cancer at an early stage, and patients can be referred for appropriate in-person care in the event of medical emergencies. Preventive care is important because, despite being considered a hereditary condition, only 51% to 101% of breast cancer cases are attributed to genetic factors. It is crucial that, even in the absence of a family history, all women should undergo screening tests starting at age 40,” concludes Ichazo.
Furthermore, in the fight against breast cancer, psychological support and mental health care are highly supported by digital health. Given the emotional and psychological challenges associated with the diagnosis and treatment of this disease, psychological support offers a safe space to express concerns, fears and anxieties, as well as providing effective strategies for dealing with stress and uncertainty.
In this way, technological development, innovation and new perspectives arising from this process have enabled the creation of tools that enable remote care, diagnosis and monitoring of these patients. This support is essential to cultivate a positive attitude, promote self-acceptance and strengthen mental health throughout the treatment process, encouraging resilience and providing essential support for a comprehensive and sustainable recovery.
