CONFERENCE PROCEEDING
The Portuguese League Against Cancer’s journey from tobacco prevention to health promotion
1
Portuguese League Against Cancer, Lisbon, Portugal
Tob. Prev. Cessation 2026;12(Supplement 1):A76
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND-AIM:
The Portuguese League Against Cancer (LPCC) has played a key role in tobacco control and health promotion in Portugal. Over time, its strategies evolved from traditional smoking prevention programs to more comprehensive, participatory approaches. This study provides a historical overview of LPCC’s tobacco control initiatives, focusing on school-based interventions and the organization’s contribution to the national implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).
METHODS:
A historical and documentary analysis was conducted to examine the LPCC’s tobacco control initiatives, particularly school-based interventions. The analysis traced their evolution from early educational projects to the Health-Promoting Schools framework and the participatory “Liga-te” project. The LPCC’s broader contribution to FCTC implementation in Portugal was also assessed.
RESULTS:
Early school-based projects, such as the “Smoke Busters Club,” fostered a non-smoking identity among students, reinforcing peer influence toward healthy behaviors. Over ten years, around 100000 students and 1000 teachers participated, receiving membership kits symbolizing their role in a non-smoking community. Reports of stigmatization among young smokers highlighted the need for inclusive, empathetic strategies. With the 1994 establishment of Health-Promoting Schools in Portugal, LPCC adopted a holistic perspective on health, considering tobacco among multiple risk factors. The “Liga-te” project introduced project-based learning inspired by the Ottawa Charter, focusing on health literacy and empowering young people to make informed decisions. Activities encouraged critical reflection on smoking behaviors and social pressures. In 2008, Portugal enacted comprehensive tobacco legislation restricting smoking in enclosed public spaces, strongly supported by LPCC advocacy. Since then, smoking prevalence has generally declined, though new nicotine products have led to some recent increases. LPCC continues to actively promote prevention campaigns, cessation support and evidence-based policies.
CONCLUSIONS:
LPCC’s journey illustrates a shift from behavioral prevention to community-based health promotion. By integrating education, participation and policy advocacy, LPCC has strengthened its impact, empowered younger generations, and advanced the WHO FCTC’s goals, demonstrating the lasting effects of long-term, participatory health initiatives.
The Portuguese League Against Cancer (LPCC) has played a key role in tobacco control and health promotion in Portugal. Over time, its strategies evolved from traditional smoking prevention programs to more comprehensive, participatory approaches. This study provides a historical overview of LPCC’s tobacco control initiatives, focusing on school-based interventions and the organization’s contribution to the national implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).
METHODS:
A historical and documentary analysis was conducted to examine the LPCC’s tobacco control initiatives, particularly school-based interventions. The analysis traced their evolution from early educational projects to the Health-Promoting Schools framework and the participatory “Liga-te” project. The LPCC’s broader contribution to FCTC implementation in Portugal was also assessed.
RESULTS:
Early school-based projects, such as the “Smoke Busters Club,” fostered a non-smoking identity among students, reinforcing peer influence toward healthy behaviors. Over ten years, around 100000 students and 1000 teachers participated, receiving membership kits symbolizing their role in a non-smoking community. Reports of stigmatization among young smokers highlighted the need for inclusive, empathetic strategies. With the 1994 establishment of Health-Promoting Schools in Portugal, LPCC adopted a holistic perspective on health, considering tobacco among multiple risk factors. The “Liga-te” project introduced project-based learning inspired by the Ottawa Charter, focusing on health literacy and empowering young people to make informed decisions. Activities encouraged critical reflection on smoking behaviors and social pressures. In 2008, Portugal enacted comprehensive tobacco legislation restricting smoking in enclosed public spaces, strongly supported by LPCC advocacy. Since then, smoking prevalence has generally declined, though new nicotine products have led to some recent increases. LPCC continues to actively promote prevention campaigns, cessation support and evidence-based policies.
CONCLUSIONS:
LPCC’s journey illustrates a shift from behavioral prevention to community-based health promotion. By integrating education, participation and policy advocacy, LPCC has strengthened its impact, empowered younger generations, and advanced the WHO FCTC’s goals, demonstrating the lasting effects of long-term, participatory health initiatives.
| eISSN: | 2459-3087 |
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