Breast cancer awareness and treatment in Portugal

In October 2026, Portugal saw a dual focus on breast cancer through public awareness campaigns and advancements in surgical treatment.

Public initiatives included the Pink October movement, featuring a solidarity walk in Costa de Caparica organized by the Liga Portuguesa Contra o Cancro (LPCC). Additionally, the #UMAPORTODAS campaign, a partnership between Ausonia and the LPCC, was launched to link product sales to research funding. This seventh edition of the campaign runs until November 30, 2026, and includes a videocast hosted by Joana Cruz. These efforts follow statistics indicating approximately 9,100 new cases and 2,101 deaths in 2024.

As the Pink October campaign progressed, the LPCC expanded its regional outreach. In the Mid Tejo region, the LPCC Regional South Nucleus, in partnership with the National Health Service (SNS), scheduled free breast cancer screening via a mobile unit in Vila de Rei from October 22 to 28. This service targets asymptomatic women aged 45 to 74 and utilizes new digital equipment to improve diagnostic quality. Additionally, a night walk was organized in Sertã on October 17 to promote disease prevention and healthy lifestyles, highlighting that early diagnosis and treatment can lead to cure rates exceeding 90%.

Simultaneously, Portuguese health units reported progress in medical technology. In the Algarve, ULS Algarve performed its first laparoscopic mastectomy with immediate reconstruction using an implant at Hospital do Barlavento Algarvio. Similarly, the Unidade Local de Saúde do Litoral Alentejano (ULSLA) conducted its first endoscopic mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. These minimally invasive techniques aim to provide specialized local care and improve aesthetic outcomes for patients.