Colorectal cancer screening awareness in European primary care

Background: Adjustment for stage at diagnosis markedly reduces USA versus European colorectal cancer survival differences and a screening bias was therefore suspected. Moreover, little is known about colorectal cancer screening habits in European primary care and the history of guidelines implementation. The purpose of the study was to index the overall colorectal cancer screening attitudes of European physicians involved in primary care activities. Methods: A systematic literature-search was performed in three major medical libraries: PubMed/MEDLINE, ISI web of science, and COCHRANE. Results: We found only five eligible studies, but valuable data were presented only in four. Colorectal cancer screening was recommended by 65–95% of physicians, but the major part of them implemented it only among high-risk individuals; stool occult blood testing was advised by 42–83% and prescription of screening endoscopic modalities was inconsistent. Most European reports found were not eligible and were mainly focused on diagnostic delay in symptomatic subjects rather than on screening procedures among asymptomatic individuals. Conclusion: In comparison with European practice, colorectal cancer screening habits of American physicians are to a greater extent rational, evidence-based and well monitored and have a longer tradition in medical care thus allowing better prevention services for asymptomatic individuals.