Overview
This multicenter, cluster randomized trial will evaluate whether community-based breast ultrasound screening improves the early detection of breast cancer in women aged 65 to 80 years, compared with routine health management. Approximately 80,000 women in Jiangsu Province, China, will be enrolled and followed for breast cancer outcomes.
Description
This is a multicenter, open-label, cluster randomized controlled trial in Jiangsu Province, China. Approximately 80,000 women aged 65 to 80 years will be enrolled. Participating community health service stations will be assigned to either active breast ultrasound screening or routine health management. Women in the screening group will receive a standardized breast ultrasound examination, while those in the control group will receive no additional study-specific breast screening. The primary outcome is the difference between groups in the proportion of diagnosed breast cancers that are stage I or II during 24 months of follow-up. The study will also assess other screening-related and implementation outcomes.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Female participants aged 65-80 years.
- Local residents living in participating communities for ≥6 months.
- Signed informed consent and willingness to participate.
Exclusion Criteria:
- History of breast cancer or previous breast cancer treatment.
- Breast cancer screening within the past 2 years.
- Severe comorbid conditions that may affect study participation or follow-up.
- Acute breast disease or conditions requiring immediate treatment.
- Unable to cooperate with screening procedures due to physical or cognitive limitations.
