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Updated: May 27, 2026
06:28
E-Patient Counseling Trial (E-PACO): Computer Based Education versus Nurse Counseling for Patients to Prepare for Colonoscopy
Published on: August 1, 2019
Colonoscopy screening: status in Europe.
1LebensBlicke Foundation for Prevention of Colorectal Cancer, Klinikum der Stadt Ludwigshafen, Ludwigshafen, Germany. riemannj@garps.de
Digestive Diseases (Basel, Switzerland)
|November 23, 2011
Summary
European colorectal cancer screening programs utilize fecal occult blood testing for mass screening, supported by strong trial evidence. Quality assurance is integrated into endoscopy-based programs per European Commission guidelines.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Public Health
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a significant public health concern in Europe.
- Population-based screening programs are crucial for early detection and improved patient outcomes.
- Recent advancements have focused on optimizing screening methodologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the current state of colorectal cancer screening in Europe.
- To highlight the preferred methods for mass screening.
- To emphasize the importance of quality assurance in screening programs.
Main Methods:
- Review of evidence from large prospective randomized trials.
- Analysis of current European guidelines for colorectal cancer screening.
- Focus on fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) as a primary screening tool.
- Consideration of endoscopy-based programs and their quality assurance.
Main Results:
- Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) is the recommended procedure of choice for mass colorectal cancer screening.
- European countries have successfully implemented population-based screening programs.
- Endoscopy-based programs incorporate quality assurance measures aligned with European Commission recommendations.
Conclusions:
- Mass screening for colorectal cancer in Europe is effective, particularly with FOBT.
- Continued implementation and adherence to quality standards are vital for screening program success.
- European Commission guidelines provide a framework for robust quality assurance in endoscopy-based screening.
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