In 2024, malignant tumors became the leading cause of death in the Autonomous Region of Madeira, accounting for 26.3% of fatalities and surpassing circulatory diseases. This scenario reflects an epidemiological transition and raises questions about prevention, diagnosis, and equitable access to healthcare.
Data reveals significant territorial disparities, with Santana showing the highest mortality rate for tumors (3.8‰), followed by Machico and Funchal, while Câmara de Lobos records the lowest (1.8‰). Although the aging population in certain municipalities explains some of these differences, doubts remain about the impact of socioeconomic conditions and access to screenings and specialized care.
The case of Porto Moniz, with a mortality rate for circulatory diseases above the regional average, is another warning sign. These figures suggest that place of residence continues to influence the risk of death from certain causes. Funchal, despite concentrating nearly half of the deaths due to its population, presents contradictions between access to healthcare and lifestyle risk factors.
Despite an overall decrease in mortality, the general picture demands public policies focused on prevention, territorial equity, and addressing the specific needs of each municipality, to prevent postal codes from weighing as much as diagnoses.
