Cancer Surgery Wait Times in Jundiaí, Brazil, Reduced Significantly
Published on February 9, 2026 at 08:00
A significant improvement in public health outcomes has been achieved in Jundiaí, Brazil, with a 75% reduction in the waitlist for oncological surgeries in the past year. This progress is expected to have a decisive impact on prognosis and quality of life for patients facing cancer diagnoses. Access to timely cancer treatment is a critical factor in improving patient outcomes and this initiative demonstrates a commitment to providing that access.
The reduction in wait times was made possible through collaboration between the Jundiaí municipal government, through the Department of Health Regulation (DRS), and the São Vicente de Paulo Hospital (HSVP), a regional oncology reference center. According to a hospital assessment conducted in January 2026, the average time to access surgical treatment is now up to 60 days – a timeframe aligned with the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) guidelines and more than 60% shorter than the 180 to 210 days recorded in December 2024. Scheduling times can vary based on individual patient clinical conditions.
Several key actions contributed to these improvements. Surgical procedures at São Vicente de Paulo Hospital are now performed continuously, eliminating previous suspensions due to hospital overcrowding, as outlined in the Full Capacity Plan. Surgeries of lower complexity have been redirected to other facilities, and operating rooms at HSVP were allocated specifically for oncology cases. Medical and surgical teams were restructured, and operating rooms were made available on Saturdays for elective surgeries.
“With this new agreement, which recognizes the urgency of this type of intervention, we have been able to expand the chances of controlling the disease and promote a better quality of life for patients awaiting surgery,” said Suellen Melo, director of the DRS.
Izandro Régis de Brito Santos, an oncologist and coordinator of the oncology service at São Vicente de Paulo Hospital, explained that the changes allow patients undergoing treatment to receive surgery at the optimal time, synchronized with cycles of radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. “Here’s very crucial because it prevents harm to the treatment due to the long wait for surgery, during which the tumor may begin to grow again. This ensures that everything is done at the right time.”
From Suspicion to Specialized Care
Strengthening the oncology care pathway in the municipality also involves investment in early diagnosis and organization of the network to ensure patients reach the appropriate service more quickly.
Jundiaí maintains a partnership with the A.C. Camargo Cancer Center through the Missão A.C. Camargo Program, which supports the qualification of the municipal oncology network. This initiative aims to improve the patient journey from initial suspicion, through diagnosis, to referral for treatment and specialized follow-up.
“The goal is to ensure that the patient is directed to the ‘right door’ when presenting with suspicious signs and symptoms, with a more humanized and integrated approach, reducing delays and increasing the chances of effective treatment. With these actions, we will be able to promote greater quality in diagnosis and, in cases requiring surgery, offer a structured network for the best possible care,” emphasized Márcia Facci, Secretary of Health Promotion.
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Photos: PMJ Photographers
Original link: https://jundiai.sp.gov.br/noticias/2026/02/09/em-12-meses-fila-cirurgica-oncologica-reduz-75-e-tempo-de-acesso-cai-mais-de-60/
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