The European Week Against Cancer, held from May 25 to 31 is an initiative coordinated by the Association of European Cancer Leagues, which aims to raise awareness about the prevention, early detection, and control of cancer throughout Europe. It is a time for joint action, intended to engage citizens, healthcare professionals, and policymakers in a common cause: reducing the impact of cancer on society.
In Portugal, the Portuguese League Against Cancer will be organizing various health awareness and education initiatives across the country this week. You can learn more about these activities on the association’s website. IMP Diagnostics also wanted to join this noble initiative, especially since pathological anatomy plays a crucial role in both the prevention and diagnosis of cancer.
Because the fight against cancer relies on knowledge, collective responsibility, and concerted action, today we are sharing a brief informational post about the types of cancer with the highest prevalence and mortality rates in Portugal, as well as all relevant information on national cancer screening programs and the role of Pathological Anatomy in this fight. We hope this will reinforce the call for public participation, a commitment to prevention, and equitable access to screening and treatment.
If detected early, many cancers are more likely to be treated successfully. In Portugal, there are currently three national screening programas run by the National Health Service (SNS) that aim to improve early detection rates.
What is the role of Pathology? This is a medical specialty that analyzes cells and tissue to identify diseases. In the case of cancer, this specialty is essential for screening and confirming the disease:
- In cases of malignant lesions, we determine the tumor type and subtype, assess its aggressiveness, and recommend the most effective treatment.
- We identify precancerous lesions and cellular changes indicative of future activity, thereby enabling early intervention.
Download our free e-books on cancer to learn more about the various aspects of some of these types of cancer (and more).