title: SISMAMA--implementation of an information system for breast cancer early detection programs in Brazil.
abstract: As national health systems seek to apply breast cancer screening recommendations to an entire population of women (within target age ranges for which there is evidence that screening reduces mortality), the volume of screening tests and resulting diagnostic investigations arising from abnormal test results-and the cost associated with them-will grow dramatically. Population-based early detection (screening) programs will need information systems and management tools to help these programs. This report describes Brazil's highly decentralized health care system and then describes in greater detail how the development and implementation of an information system for Brazil's nationwide breast cancer early detection program was carried out with input from various stakeholders. Challenges encountered in the implementation are shared. Preliminary findings from the first 1.5 million mammograms are presented to demonstrate the kind of provocative management information such a system can yield in a relatively short period of time. The potential of such information systems for improving efficiency, efficacy and cost-effectiveness of early detection programs is emphasized.
authors: Office of the Director General, National Cancer Institute of Brazil (INCA), Brazil.
authors: Leigh J
authors: LJ
authors: Passman
authors: Ana Maria Ramalho Ortigão
authors: AM
authors: Farias
authors: Jeane Gláucia
authors: JG
authors: Tomazelli
authors: Dolores Maria Franco
authors: DM
authors: de Abreu
authors: Maria Beatriz Kneipp
authors: MB
authors: Dias
authors: Mônica
authors: M
authors: de Assis
authors: Patty Fidellis
authors: PF
authors: de Almeida
authors: Ronaldo Corrêa Ferreira
authors: RC
authors: da Silva
authors: Luiz Antonio
authors: LA
authors: Santini
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001938:Brazil; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D055088:Early Detection of Cancer / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006284:Health Plan Implementation; D006801:Humans; D007256:Information Systems; D008327:Mammography; D008875:Middle Aged; D009313:National Health Programs; D012985:Software Design