Bioethical aspects in the access to high cost oncologic treatment in Brazil

Abstract

The incidence of cancer has been increasing over the years, as well as cancer mortality, which in developed countries already exceeds mortality from cardiovascular disease. A few decades ago began a battle for the prevention and treatment of these diseases. The development of knowledge of the neoplastic cell biology allowed a more refined diagnosis and progressively more personalized treatment. The sophistication of treatment and market characteristics have led to an increase in costs, reducing access and creating significant bioethical issues. Restrictions on medical activity, limiting the autonomy of the patient and inequity in the use of diagnostic and therapeutic resources bring to the discussion bioethical issues related to autonomy, beneficence and equity, which should be reviewed in the current political-economic contex of Brazil.