Cervical cancer prevention in motion: national impact of the Barretos Cancer Hospital model.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to describe the nationwide cervical cancer screening strategy implemented by the Barretos Cancer Hospital system through fixed and mobile units. It also aims to evaluate its impact on cervical cancer control through a quantitative and qualitative assessment of screening outcomes, comparing the organized Barretos Prevention Program with External Screening Units.

METHODS

Data were collected from the Barretos Prevention Program screening database and institutional cytological and histopathological registries, covering the period from January 2012 to December 2025. Two screening groups were analyzed: women screened, recalled, and treated through Barretos Cancer Hospital internal units (Barretos Prevention Program group; n =1,258,295) and women screened through External Screening Units whose cytological samples were centrally processed at Barretos Cancer Hospital (External Screening Units group; n =1,375,759). Categorical variables were compared using chi-square or Fisher's exact test. Statistical significance was set at p < .05.

RESULTS

The organized cervical cancer screening strategy implemented by Barretos Cancer Hospital, combining fixed and mobile prevention units and a centralized electronic information system, demonstrated superior performance indicators compared with opportunistic screening, with higher cytological positivity rates, lower unsatisfactory sample rates, improved target age-group adherence, and a markedly earlier stage distribution at diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

These findings reinforce the critical role of organized, population-based screening in reducing the cervical cancer burden in Brazil and highlight the need for nationwide expansion of structured screening strategies integrated with human papillomavirus vaccination, human papillomavirus-based primary testing, and guaranteed access to diagnostic and therapeutic services.