Comparative Analysis of Regulations for the Prevention and Screening of Breast Cancer in Latin America

Escurra Villena A.; Alata A.; Cruz Palacios J.A.; Ulloa Ordoñez L.V.; Vela-Ruiz J.M. · Revista de Obstetricia y Ginecologia de Venezuela (2026) · DOI: 10.51288/00860107

Resumen

Objective: To compare national guidelines on breast cancer prevention and screening in Spanish-speaking Latin American countries based on World Health Organization recommendations, identifying gaps in coverage, risk stratification, monitoring, and equity focus. Methods: Descriptive- comparative study of current regulations from Spanish-speaking Latin American countries. countries. An assessment matrix based on the technical framework of the World Health Organization Global Breast Cancer Initiative was used to assess primary prevention, screening (age, method, frequency), monitoring, equity, and gender approach. Results: A total of 12 clinical practice guidelines available on official websites were analyzed. Most countries included strategies aligned with World Health Organization pillars; however, gaps remain in primary prevention, standardization of screening age and frequency, risk stratification, and follow-up mechanisms. The inclusion of transgender individuals and rural populations remains limited, with some notable exceptions. Conclusions: The comparison of Latin American clinical guidelines on breast cancer prevention and screening reveals important yet uneven progress. While several countries have adopted World Health Organization recommendations, there are still significant gaps in the implementation of primary prevention, standardized screening, risk stratification, and monitoring. It is urgent to harmonize national policies under a comprehensive, evidence-based, and equity-focused approach, strengthening primary care, community participation, and the inclusion of historically marginalized populations.

Instituciones: Universidad Ricardo Palma