Madeira Socialists Push for Urgent Lung Cancer Screening Pilot Program
A draft resolution submitted by the Socialist Party aims to accelerate lung cancer detection in the Autonomous Region of Madeira, addressing a critical public health need and a stalled government initiative. The proposal, presented on World Cancer Day, calls for the immediate implementation of a pilot project for lung cancer screening, targeting high-risk populations with low-dose computed tomography.
The initiative comes one year after a previous announcement by the then regional secretary of Health and Civil Protection, Pedro Ramos, outlining plans for lung cancer screening to begin in 2025. However, according to a statement released by the Socialist Party, “to date, there have been no developments regarding its implementation.”
Rising Incidence and Mortality Rates
Marta Freitas, a PS deputy, emphasized the particularly high incidence of lung cancer in Madeira. In 2023, the region recorded 106 deaths attributed to malignant neoplasms of the trachea, bronchi, and lungs, translating to a mortality rate of 41.5 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants – one of the highest rates among all oncological diseases in the region.
Data indicates the severity of the situation extends beyond 2023. In 2022, malignant tumors were the second leading cause of death in Madeira, with those affecting the trachea, bronchi, and lungs being the primary cause of cancer-related fatalities. Population-based studies further reveal that Madeira, despite its smaller population, experiences a significant burden of lung cancer, characterized by late-stage diagnoses consistent with national trends.
The Case for Early Detection
Freitas highlighted the benefits of proactive screening, stating that international scientific evidence demonstrates that “the absence of structured screening programs contributes to late diagnosis.” She advocates for screening strategies utilizing low-dose computed tomography for individuals at elevated risk.
The region already possesses existing infrastructure that could support a lung cancer screening program, including regional programs for the early detection of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and smoking cessation initiatives. Despite these favorable conditions, Freitas expressed regret that the screening program announced by Pedro Ramos has yet to materialize.
A Public Health Priority
The proposed pilot project would focus on high-risk individuals – specifically smokers and former smokers aged 55 to 74 with a significant smoking history – aligning with recommendations from the Directorate-General for Health. The Socialist Party argues that this initiative represents a scientifically supported public health measure, consistent with national and European strategies, and tailored to the specific epidemiological realities of Madeira.
The legislative initiative proposes integrating the pilot project with existing regional programs and launching awareness campaigns to educate the population, particularly at-risk groups, about the benefits of screening and the importance of preventing risk factors like smoking.
National Cancer Trends and Future Projections
Freitas also presented a broader picture of cancer incidence in Portugal, warning that estimates project a 20% increase in new cancer cases by 2040 – a figure exceeding European average projections. Currently, cancer is the second leading cause of death in the country, accounting for approximately 23% of all deaths.
While mortality rates have decreased, the reduction is slower than observed in the European Union, and significant disparities persist between men and women. Common cancers among men include prostate, colorectal, lung, and bladder cancer, while women are more frequently diagnosed with breast, colorectal, thyroid, and lung cancer.
Lung cancer, though not the most prevalent, remains a critical concern as the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Portugal, responsible for around 46% of preventable cancer fatalities. Data from 2011 to 2021 reveals a concerning trend: cancer mortality in Portugal decreased by only 8% – lower than the EU average – with lung cancer mortality decreasing by just 3% in men and increasing by 23% in women.
Aligning with National Strategy
The call for a pilot program aligns with the National Strategy to Fight Cancer – Horizon 2030, published in December 2023, which is based on four pillars: prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment, and survival. Given the strategic priority placed on early diagnosis, the Socialist Party emphasizes the urgency of implementing the proposed screening program in Madeira.
