The Edinburgh randomised trial of screening for breast cancer: Description of method
1984

Edinburgh Randomised Trial of Breast Cancer Screening

Sample size: 65000 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): M.M. Roberts, F.E. Alexander, T.J. Anderson, A.P.M. Forrest, W. Hepburn, A. Huggins, A.E. Kirkpatrick, J. Lamb, W. Lutz, B.B. Muir

Primary Institution: University of Edinburgh

Hypothesis

Does screening for breast cancer reduce mortality in women aged 45-65?

Conclusion

The trial aims to determine the effectiveness of breast cancer screening in reducing mortality rates.

Supporting Evidence

  • Previous studies have shown a significant benefit for women whose disease was found by screening.
  • Long-term follow-up will be conducted to monitor breast cancer incidence and mortality.
  • The trial has a power of 83% to detect a 35% reduction in mortality after 7 years.

Takeaway

This study is trying to find out if checking for breast cancer regularly helps save lives.

Methodology

Women aged 45-65 were randomly allocated to screening or control groups, with breast cancer incidence monitored over time.

Potential Biases

Potential biases include selection bias and length sampling bias.

Limitations

The study may have biases due to the nature of randomisation and the exclusion of women with previously diagnosed breast cancer.

Participant Demographics

Women aged 45-65 from Edinburgh, excluding those with previously diagnosed breast cancer.

Statistical Information

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

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