Guidance

This guideline covers how healthcare services for breast cancer should be organised. It aims to improve care for women with breast cancer by recommending which healthcare professionals should be involved in care.

NICE has also produced guidelines on early and locally advanced breast cancer and advanced breast cancer.

Last reviewed: 31 December 2014

We identified no major studies that will affect the recommendations in the next 3 to 5 years. See the review decision for more information.

The recommendations in the guidance which have been covered by subsequent guidelines including referral for suspected cancer, metastatic spinal cord compression, early and locally advanced breast cancer, advanced breast cancer and familial breast cancer, should be withdrawn. 

Next review: This guideline will be reviewed if there is new evidence that is likely to change the recommendations.

Recommendations

This guideline recommends that:

  • treatment should be given by a multidisciplinary team
  • treatment should be given promptly
  • services should be consistent
  • intensive, hospital-based follow-up is not beneficial

Who is it for?

  • Healthcare professionals
  • Commissioners and providers
  • People with breast cancer, their families and carers

Guideline development process

How we develop NICE guidelines