Amid debates on women's preventive health on International Day of Action for Women's Health, celebrated this Thursday (28), the Legislative Assembly of the State of Rio de Janeiro (Alerj) highlighted the approval of a measure aimed at encouraging the performance of preventive examinations.
Law 11.178/26 stipulates that private companies may grant women paid annual leave to undergo preventive medical examinations.
The proposal was authored by Representative Sarah Poncio (Solidariedade), Representative Rodrigo Amorim (PL), and Representative Daniel Martins (União). According to the authors, the measure seeks to expand access to early diagnosis of diseases such as breast cancer and cervical cancer.
Prevention and access
Representative Sarah Poncio stated that many women end up postponing routine checkups due to the difficulty of balancing medical care with their work schedules and family responsibilities.
"Prevention still faces a very real problem: lack of time. Many women spend the entire year juggling work, children, home, and responsibilities, while postponing their own self-care," she stated.
According to the congresswoman, the proposal aims to promote a culture of prevention and expand access to regular checkups. "Guaranteeing a day for checkups is guaranteeing dignity, access, and care," she stated.
Sarah Poncio also argued that public policies focused on prevention can reduce the emotional and social impacts caused by the late diagnosis of diseases.
Data from Inca
Data from the National Cancer Institute (Inca) indicates that breast cancer continues to be the most common type of cancer among Brazilian women. The estimate is for 78.610 new cases annually in the country between 2026 and 2028. In the state of Rio de Janeiro, the forecast is for approximately 10.360 new diagnoses per year.
Cervical cancer also remains among the most frequent cancers in the female population. According to the Inca (Brazilian National Cancer Institute), Brazil is expected to register around 19,3 new cases annually, while Rio de Janeiro is expected to account for approximately 1.710 diagnoses per year.
Doctor Monique Oliveira stated that the possibility of an annual day off could encourage more women to undergo regular preventive checkups. “When you grant this day off, you allow women to have a free day to take care of their own health. These are exams that need to be done at least once a year,” she explained.
According to her, early diagnosis can also reduce prolonged absences from work caused by more complex treatments.
Impacts on companies
Businesswoman Rayanne Oliveira stated that the measure could represent an important incentive for female employees to prioritize preventive care. "Many women end up postponing exams because of their work routine, and offering this annual day off is a way to encourage preventive care," she said.
Employee Cinthia Lopes also highlighted that the professional routine often makes it difficult to have regular checkups. "Having this day guaranteed by the company shows a real concern for the health of its employees," she stated.
She added that the possibility of undergoing the exams without loss of pay can bring more peace of mind to the workers. "With this option, it's much easier to take care of your health without having to worry about a reduction in salary," she concluded.
Leave a comment