Preventive Care for Non-Communicable Diseases in Greece: A Situational Analysis of Disease Burden, Service Delivery,...

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for a substantial share of morbidity and mortality in Greece and create increasing demands on prevention, primary care, and long-term disease management. This study assessed the current national situation in NCD prevention, focusing on disease burden, service organization, financing, screening, surveillance, quality governance, and recent policy reforms. Methods: A structured narrative situational analysis was conducted using peer-reviewed literature, national statistics, administrative and policy documents, and reports from Greek and international organizations. Evidence available up to 10 August 2026 was synthesized across six domains: epidemiological burden, preventive-service delivery, financing, screening and early detection, surveillance and information infrastructure, and quality governance. No meta-analysis was undertaken. Results: In 2019, 41.7% of people aged ≥15 years reported a chronic illness or health problem. In 2023, circulatory diseases accounted for 31.9% of deaths and neoplasms for 23.5%. Cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease account for an estimated 52% of premature deaths before age 75. Preventive expenditure represented 3.1% of health expenditure in 2023, while private payments accounted for 34.2% of total health expenditure in 2024. In 2019, reported screening participation was 66% for breast cancer, 73% for cervical cancer, and 28% for colorectal cancer. Organized prevention has subsequently expanded through the National Public Health Prevention Programme "PROLAMVANO," with more than 5.2 million citizens participating in preventive examinations by February 2026. However, primary-care capacity, continuity, financial protection, follow-up after abnormal screening results, and longitudinal outcome measurement remain important challenges. Conclusions: Recent reforms indicate an expansion of organized and digitally enabled NCD prevention infrastructure in Greece, although their impact on primary-care integration, continuity of care, and population health outcomes remains uncertain. Future priorities include equitable completion of diagnostic and treatment pathways, sustainable financing, interoperable information systems, and routine measurement of population and patient-reported outcomes.