Progress on implementation of the European Quality Assurance Scheme for Breast Cancer Services

Background

The European Quality Assurance (QA) Scheme for Breast Cancer Services (BCS) provides a set of evidence-based requirements and indicators for monitoring and implementing high-quality breast cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment and supportive care. The scheme is modular, person-centred and ensures continuity of care in the context of organised, population-based cancer screening.

Methods

The scheme has been developed as part of the EC initiative on breast cancer and tested in real healthcare settings across Europe to assess its feasibility. The European co-operation for Accreditation endorsed the mandatory application of the scheme by National Accreditation Bodies for accrediting Certification Bodies (CBs) that intend to certify BCS under the scheme. The first official version, published in February 2025, is available for implementation by interested services.

Results

Two BCS have formally expressed interest to become certified under the European QA scheme, while another 10 entities, including screening programmes, hospitals, and cancer centres, have initiated implementation in eight European countries. Six CBs are registered to become accredited to certify services. 210 hard copies of the scheme’s manual have been disseminated to 148 entities (e.g. breast cancer centres, scientific societies, patient associations) across 21 countries in Europe and beyond.

Conclusions

The European QA scheme for BCS is a key development towards improving and harmonising breast cancer screening and care, ready to be translated into meaningful action through implementation. We call on breast cancer services to use the European QA scheme to support the monitoring and improvement of their service delivery. Wide implementation of the scheme is expected to provide universal access to quality breast cancer care across Europe. Currently, efforts focus on raising awareness and facilitating uptake through information sessions, training and access to supportive tools.

Key messages

• Widespread adoption of the European quality assurance scheme for breast cancer services can contribute to the provision of more comprehensive and homogeneous cancer care services in Europe.

• The European quality assurance scheme for breast cancer services can support individuals across Europe having access to quality cancer care, thereby reducing inequalities.