The European action against cancer

1. Prevention. In this field the main goal is the fight against tobacco. The following measures have been proposed and are now being implemented within the European community: banning smoking in places open to the public, regulation of maximum tar content of cigarettes, health warnings on all tobacco products, ban of oral tobacco, harmonizing tobacco prices upward. The banning of direct and indirect advertising has been proposed but has not yet been accepted. 2. Screening. Pilot projects on breast cancers and cervix cancer screening were launched in all member states. Guidelines for quality assurance were prepared and circulated for both types of screening. Exchange of information was organized through a networking of pilot studies. 3. Informing the public. A European code against cancer was widely distributed with the help of associations, cancer leagues, and practitioners. Health education at school (from 5 to 12 years of age) was recommended, a program was adopted, and pilot projects for the education of teachers were supported. 4. Education and training of health professionals. Emphasis has been placed on general practitioners whose role is crucial. 5. Research. A wide prospective study on diet and cancer was organized in six member states. A cohort of over 500,000 individuals will be monitored, follow-up, whose samples of urine and blood will be kept in liquid nitrogen. Clinical research is supported. In conclusion, despite a relatively small budget (about 11 million $U.S. per year), it was possible to support and coordinate several actions and therefore to stimulate the fight against cancer in the European community.