A cluster randomized controlled trial was performed in Bogotá, Colombia between 2007-2008 to evaluate the effects of an opportunistic (hospital-based) screening program (intervention) vs. usual care (control) in which 26 clinics were randomized to an intervention (N=13) or control arm (N=13). At intervention clinics general practitioners were instructed to perform clinical breast examination (CBE) on all women aged 50-69 years attending clinics for non-breast health related issues, and to refer them for mammographic screening. Physicians from control clinics were not specifically instructed to perform breast-screening or refer women for mammography, but could do so if they thought it appropriate ('usual care'). Women were followed for 2 years post-randomization.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SCREENING
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
15,855
Opportunistic breast screening offered to women attending clinics for non-breast health issues
No breast screening was explicitly offered to women attending clinics for non-breast health issues, unless the health care provider felt that it was appropriate
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
Seattle, Washington, United States
Breast cancer Incidence
Comparing incidence of breast cancer in women randomized to the opportunistic breast screening arm, compared to women in the control arm.
Time frame: Two years
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