Colorectal Cancer Screening in Europe

Rates of colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, and fecal occult blood testing varied widely across western European countries.

Rates of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening — through the use of lower gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy or fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) — are regularly tracked in the U.S. However, utilization rates in Europe have not been available.

To estimate the prevalence and predictors of receiving lower GI endoscopy and FOBT in Europe, researchers in Germany analyzed data from a population-based survey of 18,139 adults (age, ≥50). The Survey of Health, Aging, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) was administered in person in 11 countries (Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland). Researchers identified whether participants had undergone a sigmoidoscopy, a colonoscopy, or FOBT during the…

Reviewing Author

Douglas K. Rex, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardOlympus Corporation America; Boston Scientific

Speaker’s BureauOlympus

Grant/Research SupportMedtronic; Boston Scientific; Colonary Solutions; Paion Medical; Medivators; Braintree Laboratories

Editorial BoardsWorld Journal of Gastroenterology; The Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology; Techniques in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy; Gastroenterology & Hepatology; Expert Review of Gastroenterology & Hepatology; Medscape Gastroenterology; World Journal of Gastrointestinal Pharmacology and Therapeutics; Annals of Gastroenterology & Hepatology; World Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology; Comparative Effectiveness Research; Journal of Anesthesia & Clinical Research; Gastroenterology; World Journal of Gastrointestinal Pathophysiology; Gastroenterology Research and Practice; GI & Hepatology News; Gastroenterology Report; Clinical Epidemiology Reviews; JSM Gastroenterology and Hepatology; GI Journal Watch; Austin Journal of Gastroenterology; World Journal of Gastrointestinal Pharmacology & Therapeutics

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (Treasurer); US Multi-Society Task Force (AGA, ACG, ASGE) (Chair)

Douglas K. Rex, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardOlympus Corporation America; Boston Scientific

Speaker’s BureauOlympus

Grant/Research SupportMedtronic; Boston Scientific; Colonary Solutions; Paion Medical; Medivators; Braintree Laboratories

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (Treasurer); US Multi-Society Task Force (AGA, ACG, ASGE) (Chair)