Epidemiological studies have not given sufficient evidence yet for the role of antioxidant nutrients in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. As regards cancer, an inverse association between beta-carotene intake and specific types of cancer, especially lung cancer, has been shown. For other cancer sites and other antioxidants, the association is less clear. The EURAMIC Study, an EC Concerted Action, is a case-control study conducted in 11 countries, in which the combined effect of vitamin E, beta-carotene and selenium, in relation to fatty acid intake, will be examined. The disease endpoints are acute myocardial infarction and early-stage breast cancer. The broad range of antioxidant intake, the use of biomarkers of exposure, and the analysis of pooled data will allow an estimate of the strength of the putative beneficial effect. In this paper the background and design of the study will be introduced.