Portugal health sector reports various medical studies and developments

Various health-related developments and studies have been reported in Portugal. A study by the Portuguese Society of Senology reveals that over half of women find it difficult to return to work following a breast cancer diagnosis, citing physical and psychological symptoms and insufficient support.

In the medical field, the Ordem dos Médicos has called for a national study, coordinated by the Directorate-General for Health, to evaluate the care provided to youth undergoing gender transition. This proposal aims to gather data on physical and mental health outcomes and the quality of life for those involved.

In oncology, the TeamUp4Cancer project, a collaboration between the Porto Comprehensive Cancer Centre and i3S, received the People’s Choice Award at the Regiostars 2026 in Brussels. The EU-funded initiative has provided advanced diagnostic methods to over 1,700 patients in Portugal.

Additionally, the Azores Regional Suicide Prevention Line has recorded 600 calls since its inception, with 191 calls in the last five months linked to mental illness. Regional authorities are working to refine the service to better target those in need.