{'fraction_non_alphanumeric': 0.029859841560024376, 'fraction_numerical': 0.014015843997562462, 'mean_word_length': 5.315384615384615, 'pattern_counts': {'":': 0, '<': 0, '<?xml version=': 0, '>': 0, 'https://': 0, 'lorem ipsum': 0, 'www.': 0, 'xml': 0}, 'pii_count': 0, 'substrings_counts': 0, 'word_list_counts': {'cursed_substrings.json': 0, 'profanity_word_list.json': 0, 'sexual_word_list.json': 0, 'zh_pornsignals.json': 0}}
Evaluating the strength of potential misplaced priorities in opportunistic cancer screening practice in Greece.

PURPOSE
Screening 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.


METHODS
A 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.


RESULTS
7001 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.


CONCLUSION
Opportunistic 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.