with Dr. Miguel Cunha
Portugal is a European country that borders to the East with Spain and to the West with the Atlantic Ocean, and including two island regions, Madeira and Azores. According to the latest census, its population is about 10 million. Colorectal cancer in Portugal is a major cause of disease, being the second most incident cancer and the second cancer-related cause of death according to gender.
In our country, Colorectal Cancer is approached by multidisciplinary teams. Moreover, referral centers for rectal cancer do exist, and colon cancer centers may follow. There are 21 recognized rectal cancer referral centers in Portugal, and these centers are documented as strongly qualified in their field of practice, highly specialized in structures and equipment, and frequently audited by authorities so that high quality is ensured.
A population-based colorectal cancer screening has been legislated since 2017, using a fecal occult blood immunochemical test. However, according to the latest data, inclusive results concerning above the average emergency surgery rates for colorectal cancer, further promotion and adherence to this screening strategy is warranted. Concerning other surgical outcomes, similar results were found when comparing Portuguese and international data.
Some of the latest Portuguese data on colorectal surgery derives from the country’s participation in global collaborative research studies promoted by authorities such as the European Society of Coloproctology. Collaborative research opportunities, the existence of a dedicated group of surgeons focusing on research (The “PT Surg Group”), and the awareness of Portuguese Surgical Societies regarding training in surgical skills have been important for surgical global improvement in Portugal, and will further continue to improve surgeons’ multi-field aptitudes.
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