Controversial issues in colorectal screening in Hungary

Abstract

In Hungary, mortality rates from colorectal cancer are dramatically high, therefore the reduction by population screening as a public health measure is considered as one of the priorities of National Public Health Program. In the beginning, a human-specific immunological test was applied in the „model programs”, as a screening tool, to detect the occult blood in the stool; compliance was 32% in average. However, the objectives of the model programs have not been achieved, because – among other reasons – a debate on method to choice and the strategy to follow have divided the professional public opinion. In this study the debated issues are critically discussed, being convinced that – at present – population screening seems to be the most promising way to alleviate the burden of colorectal cancer. Orv. Hetil., 2011, 152, 1223–1232.