Quality assurance through outcome registration in colorectal cancer: an ECCO initiative for Europe

In recent years there have been significant improvements in outcome of rectal cancer treatment. Both new surgical techniques as well as effective neoadjuvant treatment regimens have contributed to these improvements. It is key to spread these advances towards every rectal cancer patient and to make sure that not only patients who are treated within the framework of clinical trials may benefit from these advancements. Throughout Europe there have been interesting quality programs that have proved to facilitate the spread of up to date knowledge and skills among medical professionals resulting in improved treatment outcome. Nevertheless, between European countries remain differences in outcome and treatment schedules that cannot be easily explained. The European CanCer Organisation (ECCO) has recognised these importances's and created the 'European Registration of Cancer Care' (EURECCA) framework to develop a European colorectal audit structure. EURECCA will advance future treatment improvements and spread these to all European cancer patients. It provides opportunities to treat elderly and comorbid patients evidence based while it offers an unique insight in social-economical healthcare matters. As such, ECCO has established the basis for a strong, multidisciplinary audit structure with the commitment to improve cancer care for every European cancer patient.