Report on the organisation of colorectal cancer care services in Europe
This report analyses the organisation of colorectal cancer (CRC) care services in the EU and beyond, within the framework of the European Commission Initiative on Colorectal Cancer (ECICC). The findings are based on two surveys conducted among healthcare professionals and national contact points. Results indicate that most EU Member States (MS) have implemented population-based CRC screening, primarily using the faecal immunochemical test (FIT). However, there is heterogeneity in the management and quality assurance (QA) of CRC services, with variations in the entities responsible for primary prevention and care.
Key findings include:
• 22 MS have established population-based, organised CRC screening programs.
• Screening methodologies are diverse: 18 countries use FIT, 2 use gFOBT, and 1 uses colonoscopy as the primary screening test.
• Screening age ranges differ, with Albania screening the widest age range of 35-70 years while the narrowest age range is 55-65 (Norway). The commonest target age range for CRC screening is 50-74 (10 MS).
This survey informs the development of European guidelines for colorectal cancer screening and care, and the European Quality Assurance scheme for colorectal cancer services. These two pillars
aim to support the implementation of organised, population-based CRC screening across Europe, improving equal access to screening and quality of screening and care. In addition, the report provides critical insights for policymakers and healthcare professionals aiming to advance CRC prevention and care.
BALDACCHINO Shawn;
STĂNICĂ Luciana;
STATHOPOULOU Aliki;
ALEXANDRU Alina-Cristiana;
GARCIA ESCRIBANO Marta;
AMATO Ottavia;
JANUSCH ROI Annett;
2026-01-21
Publications Office of the European Union
JRC143926
978-92-68-32678-7 (online),
1831-9424 (online),
EUR 40492,
OP KJ-01-25-522-EN-N (online),
https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC143926,
10.2760/2297900 (online),
Additional supporting files
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