Breast cancer is the most frequent cause of cancer-related deaths in women in Europe, and demographic trends indicate a continuing increase in this substantial public health problem. Systematic early detection through screening, effective diagnostic pathways and optimal treatment have the ability to substantially lower current breast cancer mortality rates and reduce the burden of this disease in the population. This is the fourth edition of these guidelines which contains information on recommended standards and procedures for breast cancer screening and diagnostic services, including chapters on multi-disciplinary aspects of quality assurance, data collection and monitoring, effective communication of information, requirements of a specialist unit, and a certification protocol.

The benefits of a screening programme for breast cancer are early detection and the subsequent reduction of mortality. The potential disadvantages are unnecessary anxiety, inappropriate economic cost and the use of ionising radiation. To ensure that the benefits outweigh the disadvantages the whole screening system needs to be completely quality assured. These European guidelines are based on the experience gained through national screening programmes. It contains information that can be applied at all levels and improvements can be achieved by following the technical advice. This third edition has been revised in the light of further experience over the past four years.

Recoge: 1. Epidemiological guidelines for quality assurance in cervical cancer screening - 2. Methods for screening and diagnosis - 3. Laboratory guidelines and quality assurance practices for cytology - 4. Techniques and quality assurance guidelines for histopathology - 5. Management of abnormal cervical cytology - 6. Key performance indicators - 7. Annexes.

This publication provides guidance for designing and implementing radiotherapy programmes, taking into account clinical, medical physics, radiation protection and safety aspects. It reflects current requirements for radiotherapy infrastructure in settings with limited resources. It will be of use to professionals involved in the development, implementation and management of radiotherapy programmes

Recoge: 1. Introduction -- 2. Organisation -- Guiding principles for organising a colorectal cancer screening programme -- 3. Evaluation and interpretation of screening outcomes -- 4. Faecal occult blood testing -- 5. Quality assurance in endoscopy in colorectal cancer screening and diagnosis -- 6. Professional requirements and training -- 7. Quality assurance in pathology in colorectal cancer screening and diagnosis -- 8. Management of lesions detected in colorectal cancer screening -- 9. Colonoscopic surveillance following adenoma removal --10. Communication -- Appendices.

The fifth edition of this text keeps the basic format of the fourth, namely to deal with radiation physics in Part 1 and with radiotherapy and oncology in Part 2. In recognition of the continuing expansion of the whole field of radiotherapy, the text has been expanded and full colour plates have been included.