A recent analysis on the journey of cancer patients in Portugal revealed that it takes over two and a half years for cancer medications to reach patients after European approval. According to data, this time frame is 926 days, exceeding the European Union average of 655 days. The study highlights that access to innovation is a critical point, with 57 applications submitted to Infarmed for cancer medications between 2020 and 2025, resulting in 26 new drugs and 37 early access programs being approved.
Despite the approval of new medications, Portugal's availability rate for innovative cancer medications stands at 61%, surpassing the EU27 average of 51% from 2021 to 2024. However, challenges persist, with 50.8% of patients reporting that they have gone without medication at least once, citing stock shortages as a primary reason. Furthermore, patients face an average distance of 56 kilometers for medication pickup, highlighting logistical difficulties.
The analysis, conducted by Inizio Engage, combined official national and international information from over 70 studies conducted between 2024 and 2026. These studies involved doctors, patients, and caregivers, covering more than 25 types of cancer in Portugal. The findings indicate discrepancies between patients' and doctors' perceptions of diagnosis and treatment timelines, with patients commonly reporting two to four weeks, while doctors report up to eight weeks.
Patients expressed a desire for greater involvement in treatment decisions, with 87.8% feeling they participated fully or partially. This reflects a growing trend of patient participation in therapeutic decision-making. Additionally, the study found that cancer patients' needs extend beyond diagnosis and treatment, with 38.6% citing a need for psychological support, clear information about their condition, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation.
The study also identified gaps in care, including limited access to psychological support, with only half of patients receiving structured nursing support for therapy adherence. Patient associations play a crucial role, with 57.1% of patients having used such organizations or support lines. These findings are particularly relevant given that cancer is the second leading cause of death in Portugal, accounting for 23% of deaths, with approximately 69,500 new cases annually.
Disparities in cancer care begin before diagnosis, with two out of three population-based screening programs failing to meet the 90% coverage target. Regional differences in coverage and adherence were also noted. These issues were discussed at the 1st Inizio Engage Forum, which focused on innovation, access, and care in the cancer patient's journey.
The forum brought together various perspectives to address bottlenecks in cancer care, including diagnosis and treatment times, coordination between care levels, medication access, territorial inequalities, psychological and social support, patient associations' roles, and obstacles to innovation.
Key points
- Portugal faces significant delays in providing cancer medications to patients
- Patients in Portugal experience logistical difficulties and gaps in care
- Disparities in cancer care exist in Portugal, particularly in screening programs
