Recursos disponibles para el tratamiento del cáncer de mama en México

OBJECTIVE: Describe the resources for the treatment of breast cancer in Mexico. METHODS: Information was obtained from 23 Centros Estatales de Cáncer (State Cancer Centers, CEC), two federal hospitals and Cancerología. This study was performed in Mexico City in August/September of 2008. RESULTS: These 23 centers provide medical care for breast cancer including surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy; all of them validated by the Seguro Popular. The costs were defined according to clinical stage and ranged from $27,500.00 pesos for clinical stage 0 to $480,00.00 in the advanced stage. A total of 2 689 women with breast cancer have been treated; only 1% was reported with in situ carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: An adequate medical infrastructure is in place to treat breast cancer in Mexico. The costs are high due to late diagnosis of the disease. Early detection of breast cancer is a high priority for optimal control of this disease in Mexico.