Colorectal cancer meets the criteria for implementing a screening program. Several studies indicate that it is possible to reduce colorectal cancer mortality in the general population by using a screening test that detects occult blood in the stool. In 2000, the European Commission’s Expert Group on Cancer recommended the implementation of colorectal cancer screening. This recommendation led to the inclusion of this screening in the European Code Against Cancer and to a formal position statement by the European Commission itself. In France, pilot studies began in 21 departments in 2003, and the decision to roll out screening nationwide was made in 2005. This will become a reality by the end of 2008. In other European countries, the implementation of screening is proceeding very gradually. The United Kingdom is the most advanced country. (R.A.)