Breast Cancer Treatment: The Brazilian Adherence Challenge

Breast cancer is a significant health issue worldwide. One type, estrogen receptor-positive (ER+), can be treated with adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET). This treatment improves the outlook for patients. Yet, it only works if patients stick to the treatment plan. In Brazil, there is not much data on how well patients follow this treatment. This is a problem because understanding adherence is key to improving patient outcomes. AET is designed to stop the growth of cancer cells. It is especially important for patients with nonmetastatic ER+ breast cancer. This means the cancer has not spread beyond the breast. However, for AET to be effective, patients need to take their medication as prescribed. This can be a challenge for many reasons. In Brazil, the lack of data on AET adherence is a concern. Without this information, it is difficult to know how well patients are managing their treatment. This makes it hard to provide the support they need. Understanding the factors that affect adherence can help improve treatment outcomes. For example, patients may struggle with side effects, forget to take their medication, or face financial barriers. Patients who do not stick to their AET plan may experience a recurrence of their cancer. This can lead to more aggressive treatment and a poorer prognosis. Therefore, it is crucial to identify the characteristics associated with adherence. This can help healthcare providers tailor their support to individual patients. For instance, some patients may benefit from reminders or additional counseling. The challenge of adherence is not unique to Brazil. Many countries face similar issues. However, the lack of data in Brazil makes it difficult to address the problem effectively. By gathering more information, healthcare providers can develop strategies to improve adherence. This can lead to better outcomes for patients with ER+ breast cancer.