Digital mammography is now covered with no age or gender restriction

ANS (Brazil's National Supplementary Health Agency) has expanded the mandatory coverage of digital mammography under health plans. The change took effect on October 1, 2026.

What changed

Until September, mandatory health plan coverage of digital mammography applied only to women aged 40 to 69. Under the update approved by ANS on September 3, the exam is now covered with no age or gender restriction, as long as it is ordered by a physician.

To make this possible, ANS removed the usage guideline that limited access to the exam. In practice, whether a digital mammography is performed no longer depends on a fixed age range, but on the clinical assessment of each case.

What the exam is covered for

Coverage applies to all three stages of breast cancer care: screening, which seeks to detect the disease before symptoms appear; diagnosis, when the disease is suspected; and follow-up during treatment.

Why the change matters

The measure coincides with Pink October, the worldwide awareness campaign on breast cancer prevention and early diagnosis. In recent decades, breast cancer has been the most common type of cancer among Brazilian women, excluding non-melanoma skin cancer.

According to the Ministry of Health, the current estimated rate is 66.54 new cases per 100,000 women. Brazil's National Cancer Institute (Inca) points out that detecting the disease at an early stage increases treatment options and helps reduce mortality.

Men can also have breast cancer

Although rare, breast cancer also affects men: according to the Ministry of Health, they account for about 1% of cases. Removing the gender restriction therefore extends access to the exam to everyone with a medical indication.

Warning signs

In women, warning signs include lumps in the breasts, changes in the skin, nipple retraction, spontaneous nipple discharge and lumps in the armpit area. In men, a palpable lump in the breast should also be investigated.

If you notice any of these signs, see a physician, who will assess whether exams such as a mammography are needed.

Another coverage that took effect

Also on October 1, health plans became required to cover the hormonal intrauterine device or system (IUD/IUS) for patients with endometriosis.

Questions about your plan? Contact our customer service.

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