Quality assurance of the screening process requires a robust system of programme mana- gement and coordination, assuring that all aspects of the service are performing adequa- tely. The first edition of the European Guidelines for Quality Assurance in Cervical Cancer Screening emphasized the principles of organised, population-based screening and was in- strumental in initiating pilot projects in Europe. More than a decade has passed since pub- lication of the first guideline edition. Subsequently, the Council adopted in December 2003 the Council recommendation on cancer screening recommending to the Member States, whenever available to follow evi- dence-based EU guidelines for cancer screening in implementing or.
