[Mass screening programs running in Podlaski region based on standards existing in European Union-- actual status and future perspectives].

High mortality rates caused by breast cancer and cervical cancer are still an actual and enormous problem in our country. Such unfavorable epidemiological situation lasts for many years, in spite of availability of diagnostic procedures, which permits secondary prevention of these diseases. Successes of mass screening programs conducted in several European Countries are the best proof for this statement. For the last years the number of mammography and cytology tests systematically have been been going up in our country, unfortunately without any effects on women's mortality rates. The question arises: what is the reason for that situation and if could it be useful to adopt European experiences into the Polish conditions? This could be done by appropriate staff training and increase of effectiveness of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. One more core element of mass screening programs is logistic background--coordinating center ensuring good functioning of the screening program.