The European guidelines have been developed in the context of population-based organised mammography screening, although some may also apply in contexts where organised screening programmes are not in place.
The recommendations contained in the guidelines primarily address women at average risk of breast cancer without increased risk due to genetic predisposition (mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2), reproductive history or race and ethnicity. They also inform decision-making for women who are recalled for suspicious lesions or women with high breast density.
Healthcare authorities and professionals can adopt the European guidelines as they are provided, or adapt them to their local context.
The European guidelines are complemented with a collection of international guidelines on breast cancer care, which cover the rest of the care pathway, from treatment to end-of-life care.