The current reality of breast cancer in Portugal
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Portugal. On average, 13 new cases are diagnosed every day, and four women die from the disease daily. These figures reveal not only the scale of the challenge but also the urgent need to invest in prevention, early detection, and comprehensive, patient-centered care that includes both medical and emotional support.
Beyond the overall numbers, the disease presents a range of subtypes with distinct prognoses. The most concerning are the aggressive forms, such as triple-negative breast cancer, which tends to progress quickly and often affects younger women. These cases underscore the importance of timely diagnosis and ongoing research into new and more effective treatments.
Why are we seeing more young women diagnosed?
Modern lifestyles contribute significantly to rising cases among younger women. Factors include less healthy diets, obesity, physical inactivity, alcohol and tobacco use, and pregnancies that occur later in life or shorter periods of breastfeeding. Genetic mutations also play a role. The emotional and social impact is especially profound for younger patients who are starting careers, building families, or pursuing personal projects that can be interrupted by a cancer diagnosis.
Breast cancer in men: a real but underdiagnosed issue
While rare, male breast cancer accounts for about 1% of all cases. The main challenge is underdiagnosis and lack of awareness—many men do not see themselves as potential patients and may delay seeking help after noticing early signs. Breaking this stigma and increasing vigilance in men is essential to improve outcomes.
Is expanding screening to 45 years enough?
The move to start screening at age 45 is a crucial step toward identifying cases earlier among those at higher risk. However, it is not a stand-alone solution. A broader approach is needed—one that includes public education, healthy-lifestyle promotion, and risk-adapted surveillance that considers family history and other factors. Health literacy remains a powerful and underused tool in improving early detection and outcomes.
Advances in treatment and what they mean for patients
Recent years have brought meaningful progress in tailoring treatment to the tumor’s biology. We can now identify cancer subtypes more precisely and customize therapies accordingly. New targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and improved surgical and reconstructive options are enhancing survival and quality of life. Yet the disease’s impact remains substantial, highlighting the need for robust psychological and social support alongside medical care.
Humanizing care: the role of patient organizations
Organizations like Amigas do Peito play a pivotal role. They offer Casas de Acolhimento (free, dignified accommodation for patients traveling for treatment), psychological and emotional support, awareness campaigns, and free screenings in workplaces and communities. They also assist women in need with prostheses, complementing hospital care with a more humane, comprehensive journey through illness.
Challenges and fundraising as a lifeline
Such associations bring warmth, proximity, and practical solutions that health systems alone cannot always provide. The biggest challenge is securing resources to sustain and expand services, as demand often exceeds capacity. Initiatives like the Gala Solidária (the charitable gala) play a decisive role in funding ongoing services and enabling outreach activities that promote early diagnosis and support for those affected.
A clinician’s view: changing practice through advocacy
For a surgeon leading an advocacy group, the experience reframes clinical practice. It broadens the perspective from purely medical treatment to the patient’s emotional, social, and family context. The message is clear: medicine must be driven by empathy as well as science, refining communication and adapting treatments to fit each person’s life.
Conclusion: a call to action
Portugal is making strides in tackling breast cancer, but much work remains. Advancing early detection, supporting patients holistically, and sustaining organizations that provide practical help are essential. By combining clinical innovation with community-based care and public education, Portugal can move closer to reducing the burden of this disease for current and future generations.
