European guidelines for quality assurance in colorectal cancer screening and diagnosis

Brussels, 3 February 2011

Today, on the eve of World Cancer Day, in an effort to improve the screening and diagnosis of colorectal cancer, the European Commission publishes the first edition of the European Guidelines for Quality Assurance in Colorectal Cancer Screening and Diagnosis. Colorectal cancer is the second most common newly diagnosed cancer in the EU. It is the second most common cause of cancer death in the EU, accounting for one in seven new cancers and one in eight cancer deaths. Improving diagnosis and screening is key to reduce the mortality rates from colorectal cancer.