Prevention in Portugal: where we stand and what is available to you

Life expectancy in Portugal is around 81 to 82 years, above its historical average and in line with Europe's longest-living countries, according to the OECD and Eurostat.

The contrast lies in healthy life years: the same European indicators show that years lived without limitations fall short of the European Union average. We live longer — but part of those years is lived with chronic disease that, in many cases, could be delayed or softened.

According to INE, circulatory-system diseases remain the country's leading cause of death, responsible for around 1 in every 4 deaths, with stroke standing out.

Hypertension is the most common risk factor: the PHYSA study, by the Portuguese Society of Hypertension, found elevated blood pressure in around 4 in every 10 Portuguese adults.

For diabetes, the National Diabetes Observatory estimates a prevalence of around 13 to 14% among those aged 20 to 79 — among the highest in Europe — with a substantial share of people still undiagnosed.

The National Health Service (SNS) grounds prevention in primary care: your family doctor and health team are the entry point for adult health-surveillance appointments, risk-factor assessment, vaccination and counselling.

Even without complaints, you are entitled to routine appointments where blood pressure, weight, habits and history are reviewed — and where the doctor decides which tests or exams make sense for you. If you do not have an assigned family doctor, you can register at your health centre or through the SNS digital channels.

Portugal runs population-based cancer screening programmes, coordinated by the Directorate-General of Health (DGS) and the regional health administrations, for three cancers: breast, cervical, and colorectal.

In general terms, breast cancer screening invites women aged 50 to 69 for a mammogram every two years; cervical screening uses HPV testing in adult women of eligible age; and colorectal screening relies on a faecal occult blood test from age 50. Exact ages and intervals can vary by region and over time — confirm your situation with your health centre.

If you receive a letter or SMS inviting you to a screening, respond: it is free, quick, and one of the most effective forms of early detection the evidence knows.

The challenges are real and well known: screening coverage is not yet uniform across the territory, uptake varies, and many common conditions — hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol — remain underdiagnosed.

The part that depends on you is simple: know who your family doctor is, keep routine appointments, respond to screening invitations and know your numbers. And bring your questions to the appointment — prevention in Portugal works best when each person does their part.