• V Karampoiki, P Alevizaki, V Lakiotis, E Loukidou, A Terzoudi, A Gkinosati, C Panou, A Ioakeimidou, K Kamposioras, A Valachis, L Tsali, E Pantazi, G Koukourakis, I Karathanasi, E Thanopoulou, and D Mauri.
• Panhellenic Association for Continual Medical Research (PACMeR), Section of Public Health, Athens, Greece.
• J Buon. 2010 Jan 1;15(1):164-73.

PurposeScreening is a significant method for cancer control, nevertheless the implementation of non cost-effective screening tests at national level may constitute a major burden to health economics. The purpose of this study was to determine the cancer screening activities of a large sample of the Hellenic population, in a country with opportunistic screening practice.MethodsA large survey on cancer screening in Greece was organized and conducted by the Panhellenic Association for Continual Medical Research (PACMeR). Screening performance of evidence-based (EB), non-evidence-based (non EB) and of undefined benefit tests was analysed.Results7001 individuals were analysed. Eighty-eight percent of males and 93% of females stated that they were interested in cancer screening practices. Gynecological cancer screening was performed in the range of 23-38%. Colorectal cancer screening was rarely performed in both genders (1- 2%), while non-evidence-based tests were regularly performed (urinalysis 50% and chest radiography 15-18%). Full blood count and PSA measurement were widely accepted (over 45% in both genders and 19.5% in males, respectively). Sociodemographic characteristics did not influence the performance of EB tests in males while females' activities were highly influenced by such parameters.ConclusionOpportunistic cancer screening in a primary health care system where national guidelines are missing may cause ambiguous results. Reconsideration of health policy in such cases is mandatory.

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