EUROPA DONNA: has strength in its heterogeneity.

EUROPA DONNA, a non-profit-making organisation, is a pan-European movement against breast cancer; it is a coalition that is active in 29 countries, each organised into national independent Fora. In each Forum, a postal survey was conducted between 2001 and 2002. A standardised questionnaire was used to collect information about Forum characteristics and activities, and perceptions of the adequacy of the local health service in relation to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Twenty-seven Fora (93%) participated in the survey. The results show the heterogeneity between the Fora in the services offered and activities in the different countries. The Fora also perceived a range of deficiencies in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer within their national health systems. These results highlight the importance of a coalition to establish a consensus among the Fora, and the need for coordinated initiatives in different European countries.