Short Communication

British Journal of Cancer (2008) 99, 532–535. doi:10.1038/sj.bjc.6604488 www.bjcancer.com
Published online 15 July 2008

Should colorectal cancer screening start at the same age in European countries? Contributions from descriptive epidemiology

H Brenner1, M Hoffmeister1 and U Haug1

1Division of Clinical Epidemiology and Aging Research, German Cancer Research Center, Bergheimer Strasse 20, Heidelberg D-69115, Germany

Correspondence: Professor H Brenner, E-mail: h.brenner@dkfz-heidelberg.de

Received 9 May 2008; Revised 2 June 2008; Accepted 9 June 2008; Published online 15 July 2008.

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Abstract

We assessed incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer (CRC) at various ages among women and men in 38 European countries. The ages at which defined levels of incidence and mortality were reached varied between 9 and 17 years between countries. This variation requires consideration in the definition of screening guidelines.

Keywords:

colorectal cancer, screening, prevention