Cancer League Demands 100% Paid Sick Leave

The Portuguese League Against Cancer (Liga Portuguesa Contra o Cancro or LPCC) renewed its appeal for the government to provide 100% wage compensation for oncology patients on sick leave (baixa médica). The charity reported spending nearly €3 million on social assistance for struggling households in 2025, noting that cancer patients currently lose up to 44% of their net pay during their first month away from work. Extending full sick leave compensation to all cancer patients would cost the state an estimated €14 million annually.