Implementation of Active Surveillance for Prostate Cancer: A Story of Little Pride and Much Prejudice in the Greek Health Care System.

Abstract

The healthcare system in Greece consists of a mixed public and private sector that contributes to varying extents to the provision of general or specialized health services. Despite intertemporal efforts and investments by the government, the health system remained predominantly underdeveloped in comparison with most European countries. An accurate mirror of the imbalances in cancer care is the underutilization of active surveillance (AS) for prostate cancer. Although AS (a monitoring method to delay or even avoid unnecessary treatment) is becoming the de facto standard of care for low-risk prostate cancer, it remains unpopular in some countries. Focusing on efforts to expand knowledge among the urological community, continuous patient education, and quality improvement of health services will eventually boost national awareness and compliance and promote a radical change of attitude towards AS.