Overview: the burden of breast cancer in Portugal
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Portugal. On average, 13 new cases are diagnosed each day, and four women lose their lives daily to the disease. These numbers reflect not only the scale of the challenge but also the urgent need to invest in prevention, early detection, and holistic follow-up that addresses both clinical and emotional needs.
Subtypes and prognosis: why some cases demand more attention
Breast cancer is not a single disease. It comprises several subtypes with distinct characteristics and prognosis. Among the most concerning are the aggressive forms, such as triple-negative breast cancer, which often affects younger women and requires more intensive treatment. These cases underscore the importance of early diagnosis and ongoing research into new therapies that can improve outcomes and quality of life.
Younger onset: lifestyle, genetics, and social impact
Increasingly, younger women are diagnosed with breast cancer. Modern lifestyle factors—unhealthy diets, obesity, sedentary behavior, alcohol and tobacco use—play a role, alongside later-age pregnancies and lower rates of breastfeeding. Genetic mutations also contribute to risk. The challenge goes beyond medical care: younger patients are balancing careers, family planning, and personal projects, making the disease’s emotional and social impact especially acute.
Breast cancer in men: a silent minority
Although rare, male breast cancer accounts for about 1% of cases. The main issue is underdiagnosis: many men do not consider themselves at risk and may overlook early signs. Raising awareness is essential to shorten diagnostic delays and ensure timely treatment for men as well as women.
The case for earlier screening: expanding to age 45 is a meaningful step
Extending screening to start at age 45 in Portugal represents a crucial advance, enabling more early detections among those already at risk. However, this step alone is not enough. A comprehensive approach is needed, including greater public information, promotion of healthier lifestyles, and risk-based surveillance that considers family history and individual risk factors. Health literacy remains a powerful but underutilized tool in empowering people to seek timely screening and care.
Advances in treatment: personalization, immunotherapy, and survivorship
Recent years have brought notable progress in tailoring treatment to the tumor’s biology. Modern practice now distinguishes subtypes more precisely and aligns therapies to each patient’s profile. New targeted therapies, immunotherapy approaches, and improved surgical and reconstructive options are enhancing survival and quality of life. Yet the disease’s profound impact means that medical advances must be complemented by robust psychological and social support throughout the patient journey.
Humanizing care: from clinic to community support
Beyond medicine, patient-centered care requires listening, empathy, and practical help. The Amigas do Peito association exemplifies this approach, offering comprehensive support far from hospital walls and strengthening the human connection in oncology care. Their work challenges the notion that treatment is only about procedures, emphasizing dignity, warmth, and continuity of care.
Projects that make a difference
The organization runs several impactful initiatives, including Casas de Acolhimento—free, dignified lodging for patients traveling from across Portugal and PALOP countries; psychological and emotional support through consultations and mutual-aid groups; awareness campaigns to promote prevention and early diagnosis; and free screening programs in workplaces and communities. They also assist women in need with prosthesis purchases, complementing clinical treatment with practical, compassionate support.
The Gala Solidária and human-centered advocacy
Associations like Amigas do Peito play a pivotal role in humanizing care by filling gaps the health system cannot address alone. A major fundraising event, the Gala Solidária, takes place this year on October 24 at the Aula Magna, University of Lisbon. The gala serves not only as a cultural evening but as a vital source of funds to sustain housing, psychological and social support, and screening programs. Every act of solidarity translates into more help for those facing breast cancer.
From the clinic to the patient’s life: a clinician’s perspective
Leading clinicians who work with these associations report that the broader, more humane approach alters daily practice. It has changed how they communicate with patients, how they listen, and how treatments are tailored to fit each person’s life. This integration of medical expertise with empathy is essential to truly comprehensive oncology care.
Conclusion: a call to continued support and action
The current realities of breast cancer in Portugal demand both medical innovation and sustained, compassionate support networks. By expanding screening, promoting healthier lifestyles, and strengthening patient-centered services through organizations like Amigas do Peito, Portugal can improve early detection, treatment outcomes, and the lived experience of those affected by this disease. Support for events like the Gala Solidária is a practical way to invest in that future.
