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New therapies increase chances of cure and quality of life, but structural challenges still prevent scientific advances from benefiting all patients equally
For decades, talking about breast cancer or gynecological tumors meant treating different diseases as if they were one. However, this scenario has changed radically. The information was released by “Estadão,” in special content from Blue Studio with support from AstraZeneca, highlighting how precision medicine is transforming modern oncology. Today, female cancer is no longer seen as a single condition, but rather as a complex and heterogeneous set of diseases, with completely distinct origins, biological behaviors, and therapeutic responses.
This transformation represents a true watershed moment. While expanding the understanding of tumors, it also redefines strategies for diagnosis, treatment, and even prevention. In other words, precision medicine allows for a much more individualized approach, increasing the chances of therapeutic success and significantly improving patients’ prognosis.
However, despite this scientific advance, reality still presents significant challenges. After all, the speed at which science evolves is not matched by the same speed in access to treatments, especially in Brazil.
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Precision medicine changes the game in female oncology
To better understand this new scenario, it is essential to abandon old simplifications. As highlighted by Angélica Nogueira, honorary president of the Brazilian Society of Clinical Oncology (SBOC), cancer should be understood as a heterogeneous set of diseases. Although there is a common factor — the uncontrolled proliferation of cells with the potential for invasion and metastasis — the mechanisms that trigger each tumor are distinct.
It is precisely this differentiation that underpins precision medicine. Instead of using general treatments, oncology began to seek specific molecular targets in each patient. In this way, it is possible to apply targeted therapies, increasing effectiveness and reducing side effects.
According to Danilo Lopes, medical director of AstraZeneca Brazil, this evolution has also directly impacted the pharmaceutical industry. Today, treatments are developed based on the biological characteristics of each tumor, which allows for a much more personalized approach.
Furthermore, this change is not limited to treatments alone. It also influences exams, prevention strategies, and even patient follow-up over time.
Unequal access is still the biggest obstacle in Brazil
Despite impressive advances, there is a central problem that still limits the impact of these innovations: access. While medicine evolves rapidly, the Brazilian health system faces difficulties in keeping pace.
According to Angélica Nogueira, the country has accumulated a significant delay precisely in the last 20 years, a period in which oncology advanced more rapidly. According to her, the area remained “frozen” for decades, and although this scenario is beginning to change, the transformation is still slow.
Pascoal Marracini, general director of the Arnaldo Vieira de Carvalho Cancer Institute, reinforces this view by highlighting the difference between incorporating a technology and ensuring its use in practice. In his words, “won, but didn’t take.” That is, even when treatments are approved, it does not mean that they quickly reach patients.
Furthermore, Danilo Lopes emphasizes that innovation only generates real impact when it is available at the right time for the right patient. Without this, advances remain only in the theoretical realm.
Information, welcoming, and integral care make a difference
Although technology is essential, the revolution in oncology goes beyond treatments. It also involves information, welcoming, and emotional support.
Luciana Holtz, founder of Instituto Oncoguia, summarizes this inequality well by stating: “My SUS is not your SUS.” This means that, even within the public system, there are significant differences in access to treatment. The same happens in private healthcare, where the quality of care can vary greatly.
In this context, information emerges as a powerful tool. According to Luciana, “information is power,” as it allows the patient to better understand their condition and actively participate in treatment decisions.
Furthermore, understanding the disease strengthens the bond between the patient and the medical team, contributing to better clinical outcomes.
The reality for patients still reveals challenges
Isabel Ferreira’s experience clearly illustrates this reality. Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017 and later with ovarian cancer, she faced not only the challenges of the disease but also emotional and bureaucratic barriers.
Upon discovering a BRCA2 genetic mutation, Isabel reported the psychological impact of the news. Furthermore, she faced difficulties with her health plan in accessing medications, highlighting a recurring problem in the healthcare system.
According to data from Instituto Oncoguia, 82% of patients who sought their rights reported feeling like they were in a real struggle to gain access to treatment. This raises an important question: if the right is already guaranteed, why is it still so difficult to access?
Therefore, it is evident that, although oncology has advanced significantly, the journey of patients still requires urgent structural improvements.
The future depends on integration between science and access
Given this scenario, the main challenge is not just to develop new therapies, but to ensure they reach those who need them. This requires a more integrated, efficient, and less bureaucratic healthcare system.
Furthermore, it is essential to invest in patient education, information, and support. After all, treating cancer is not just about fighting the disease, but about caring for the person as a whole.
As Isabel Ferreira highlighted, when you care for the patient, you also learn from them. And perhaps it is precisely this combination of science, empathy, and access that will define the future of women’s oncology in Brazil.
Do you believe the biggest challenge in fighting cancer today is the lack of technology or unequal access to treatments?
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