Book excerpt: Breast cancer is the most frequent cause of cancer-related deaths in women in Europe, and demographic trends indicate a continuing increase in this substantial public health problem. Systematic early detection through screening, effective diagnostic pathways and optimal treatment have the ability to substantially lower current breast cancer mortality rates and reduce the burden of this disease in the population. This is the fourth edition of these guidelines which contains information on recommended standards and procedures for breast cancer screening and diagnostic services, including chapters on multi-disciplinary aspects of quality assurance, data collection and monitoring, effective communication of information, requirements of a specialist unit, and a certification protocol.