The 'Europe against Cancer' programme aims to introduce systematic screening for breast cancer for women aged 50-69 and for cervical cancer for women aged 25-69. The programme initiated pilot projects on breast cancer screening in several European countries in 1989-1990. This initiative was followed by training for radiologists. European guidelines for quality assurance in breast cancer screening became available in 1992, and a working party on treatment of small breast lesions was formed. The 'Europe against Cancer' programme also launched pilot projects in cervical cancer screening and a cervical cancer screening surveillance programme in 1992.