Colorectal cancer — affecting the large intestine and rectum — is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Europe. A growing concern is the rising incidence among adults under 50 across the continent. While most cases in this younger demographic occur between ages 40 and 49, the sharpest increase is seen in those aged 20–29.
Progress in Prevention — But Gaps Remain
According to epidemiological data from the European Union (2018–2022), new colorectal cancer cases fell from 370,000 to 362,000, and related deaths dropped from 170,000 to 161,000. Experts attribute this decline to the rollout of national screening programs, now covering over 120 million EU citizens — a sign that organized prevention efforts are delivering measurable results.
Dr. Ioannis Virlos, General Surgeon and Director of the 12th Surgical Clinic — Minimal Access Surgery for the Large Intestine & Abdominal Wall at Metropolitan General Hospital, and Vice President of the Hellenic Society of Coloproctology, explains: “This steady reduction confirms that population-based screening works — lowering both incidence and mortality.”
Greece’s National Screening Program
Despite these positive trends across Europe, Greece has seen an increase in both incidence (from 7,319 to 7,859 cases) and deaths (from 3,430 to 3,764) over the same period. To address this, Greece launched its national colorectal cancer screening program — Pro-lambano (“I Prevent”) — in 2024 for people aged 50–69.
The program uses a non-invasive stool test that detects hidden blood (hemoglobin). A positive result triggers a follow-up colonoscopy — an endoscopic examination of the large intestine and rectum using a flexible camera. To date, more than one million stool tests and over 38,000 colonoscopies have been performed since the program began two years ago.
Why Early Detection Matters
One of the greatest benefits of screening is early diagnosis — before symptoms appear. When colorectal cancer is caught at an early stage, the five-year survival rate reaches 90%. That means nine out of ten patients diagnosed early are still alive five years after diagnosis. If the disease does not recur within that timeframe, it is generally considered cured.
Risk Factors You Can Influence
A key focus for public health campaigns must be raising awareness of modifiable risk factors — many of which are linked to lifestyle choices. These include diet, physical inactivity, obesity, smoking, and heavy alcohol use. Highlighting these connections nationally can empower individuals to take proactive steps toward prevention.