Bill 3277/26 establishes measures to expand access, within the Unified Health System (SUS), to modern and less invasive cancer diagnostic methods. The proposal is under review in the Chamber of Deputies.
The text amends the Statute for People with Cancer (Law 14.238/21) to include, among its principles, the current technological and diagnostic equity, with the aim of reducing differences in access to investigative methods, imaging exams, and biopsies.
Another change, in the National Policy for the Prevention and Control of Cancer (Law 14.758/23), guarantees periodic evaluation of diagnostic technologies available in the SUS and prioritizes, when indicated by a physician, minimally invasive biopsy procedures, in accordance with their incorporation into the system.
For breast cancer, the project provides that the SUS will offer minimally invasive biopsy when indicated to investigate lesions that cannot be palpated or small changes identified in exams.
The text cites vacuum-assisted biopsy, also known as mammotomy, as an example. The procedure allows for the removal of tissue fragments through a less invasive technique and can avoid surgeries performed solely to confirm the diagnosis.
The author, Dr. Frederico (PL-MG), explains that the project does not incorporate technologies into the SUS, nor does it replace or interfere with the technical competencies of the National Commission for the Incorporation of Technologies in the SUS (Conitec), which remains responsible for evaluating evidence of effectiveness, safety, cost-effectiveness, and budgetary impact.
The parliamentarian states that by prioritizing minimally invasive diagnoses, the measure can also reduce public spending. "It can reduce costs related to reparative procedures and psychological support resulting from more invasive interventions."
Difference between SUS and health plans
The project stipulates that relevant differences between the diagnostic technologies available in the SUS and those authorized by health plans should be considered when evaluating any technologies to be incorporated in the prevention, early detection, and diagnosis of cancer.
Next steps
The project will be analyzed in aconclusivemanner by the commissions of Women's Rights; Health; Finance and Taxation; and Constitution and Justice and Citizenship.
To become law, it must be approved by the Chamber and the Senate.