Pink October: RN is the 5th state in the Northeast with the most estimated cases of breast cancer, points out Inca

In Brazil, Inca estimates 78,610 new cases per year, maintaining breast cancer as the most common type among women, excluding non-melanoma skin cancer.

The Pink October campaign reinforces the importance of prevention and early diagnosis. In addition to regular health monitoring, since April 2026, workers have had a new legal guarantee: the right to be absent from work, without pay deduction, to carry out preventive examinations provided for by law.

Inca's numbers place Rio Grande do Norte in fifth place among the northeastern states with the most estimated cases of breast cancer. Ahead are Bahia, Pernambuco, Ceará and Maranhão.

Since April 2, 2026, Law No. 15,377/2026 has been in force, which amended the Consolidation of Labor Laws (CLT). According to the text, workers can be absent from work, without prejudice to their salary, to carry out preventive exams provided for in the legislation, within the conditions established by the standard.

The law also guarantees workers the right to be absent for up to three days every 12 months of work, without prejudice to their salary, to carry out preventive examinations.

"The main change for employees is that they now have the right to take care of their health without running the risk of suffering a loss in salary. The law guarantees up to three days of paid absence for every 12 months worked to carry out the preventive exams provided for in the legislation", explains Túlio Chaves, specialist in Labor Law.

According to him, the absence must be proven. “Whenever possible, it is also recommended to inform management in advance about the need for absence”, he adds.

In addition to guaranteeing paid absence, employers need to inform employees about official campaigns and access to preventive exams.

Túlio Chaves warns of possible consequences in case of non-compliance. “If the company does not inform employees about these rights, it may be subject to inspection by the Ministry of Labor, administrative sanctions and possible legal challenges, especially if the worker suffers any harm when exercising the right provided for by law”, he says.