The Federal Constitution assures that: “Health is everyone’s right and the State’s duty”. This means that everyone suffering from any disease, including cancer, is entitled to treatment by medical assistance agencies maintained by the Union, the states and municipalities.
Treatment includes consultations, medicines, surgeries, laboratory tests, CT scans, X-rays, ultrasounds, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and can be performed by the Unified Health System (SUS).
If the disease affects a minor, one of the parents or guardian has the right to remain with the child or adolescent, during the entire hospital stay, as determined by the Child and Adolescent Statute. Patients over 60 years of age are also entitled to a companion when hospitalized, as determined by the Elderly Statute.
The treatment, even when it is supported by the State, is expensive and requires the use of many medicines, food supplements, fiber and unconventional food. In order to cover these expenses, Brazilian legislation guarantees people with malignant neoplasms – cancer and other serious diseases – some special rights.
Download the content in full.