Breast cancer is the most common cancer and the most
frequent cause of cancer death in women throughout Europe.
However, mortality from breast cancer is decreasing
as a result of concerted action by all parties involved.
It is now widely accepted that multidisciplinary teams
form the basis for best practice in the management of
breast cancer. Across Europe, women should have equity
of access and the choice to select appropriate facilities
for diagnosis and treatment and be sure they are receiving
gold standard. European guidelines set up by the European
Society of Mastology (EUSOMA) and the European
Organization for the Research and Treatment of
Cancer Breast Cancer Cooperative Group (EORTC-BCCG)
to define the gold standard - entitled ‘Requirements of a
Breast Unit’ - have been generally well received and
have been influential in the introduction of the multidisciplinary
approach in several countries. EUSOMA implemented
a European accreditation process in order give
guidance to patients and referring doctors to recognize
which units meet the requirements and standards of best
care.