Overview: Stomach Cancer in Portugal
World Digestive Cancer Day, observed on September 30, shines a light on stomach cancer, a disease that remains a pressing public health challenge in Portugal. The latest data from GLOBOCAN 2022 show that Portugal registered more than 18,000 new cases and about 11,700 deaths that year, equivalent to roughly 30 people dying every day. While oncology has advanced, Portugal still ranks among Western European countries with the highest incidence of stomach cancer, with a notable hotspot in the North of the country.
Regional Patterns and Risk Factors
The regional pattern is clear: the North shows higher incidence rates for gastric cancer. Several factors help explain this disparity, including traditional dietary habits rich in salt, processed meats, and smoke-cured products, as well as a relatively high prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection. Other contributors include alcohol and tobacco use, along with higher rates of obesity and sedentary lifestyles compared with national averages. These elements interact to drive a disease that often presents subtle symptoms until it is more advanced.
Looking Ahead: Projections to 2045
International projections add to the concern. Estimates suggest that by 2045 Portugal could see a 23% rise in new digestive cancer cases, with mortality increasing by more than 30%—potentially exceeding 15,000 deaths per year. Such figures underscore the urgency of stepping up prevention, awareness, and access to screening and early intervention programs.
Prevention and Early Diagnosis: A Public Health Imperative
As Vítor Neves, President of Europacolon Portugal, notes, a key barrier is the silence that often surrounds the disease. Many people ignore symptoms for months and seek help late. He emphasizes that while Portugal continues to have the highest stomach cancer incidence in Western Europe—especially in the North—these numbers aren’t fate. Breaking the cycle requires talking openly about the disease, promoting prevention, and ensuring access to screening and medical follow-up. Early signs—loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, persistent upper abdominal pain or discomfort, and frequent heartburn—should prompt timely medical consultation. Prevention and early detection are our strongest tools to change a reality that affects too many families.
Public Awareness and Local Action
The impact of digestive cancers extends beyond statistics. They cause physical and emotional suffering and expose weaknesses in access to timely screenings and diagnoses. To raise awareness and foster proactive health behavior, EuropacolonPortugal is organizing a public outreach event on September 30 in the NorteShopping area, from 11:00 to 15:00. The event aims to bring information closer to people, encourage vigilance for warning signs, and contribute to reversing a major health challenge in Portugal.
What You Can Do
Everyone has a role in reducing the burden of stomach cancer. Prioritize prevention through a balanced diet low in processed foods and salt, avoid smoking, limit alcohol, maintain a healthy weight, and stay physically active. If you notice persistent symptoms, seek medical advice promptly. Widespread participation in screening and adherence to medical recommendations can help save lives and lessen the personal and societal impact of this disease.
Conclusion
The latest data confirm that stomach cancer remains a leading health concern in Portugal, with the North bearing a disproportionate share of the burden. By combining prevention, early detection, and informed public dialogue—especially in high-risk regions—we can alter the trajectory of this disease and protect more families from its impact.
