Cancer care initiatives launched in Portugal and Brazil

In Serpa, Portugal, the Liga Portuguesa Contra o Cancro (LPCC), in collaboration with the Serpa City Council and the Baixo Alentejo Local Health Unit, will host a free screening event for skin and oral cancer on September 19. The initiative, held at the Serpa Health Center, aims for early detection. Participation requires prior registration and is subject to a minimum of 60 participants. The skin cancer screening is targeted at individuals over 50 with a family history, specific skin characteristics, or high sun exposure, while oral cancer screenings are intended for smokers aged 40 or older and those with specific oral symptoms.

In Marília, Brazil, new legislation (Law No. 9.512) has been enacted to ensure cancer patients are informed of their rights. The law mandates that informative posters be displayed in public and private healthcare facilities, including hospitals, basic health units, and oncology clinics. These posters must clearly outline rights such as priority service in public agencies and banks, access to FGTS and PIS/Pasep withdrawals, information on social security benefits, income tax exemptions for certain retirees, and free intercity or interstate public transportation.