A study protocol of population-based cancer screening cohort study on esophageal, stomach and liver cancer in rural China

Objective: National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China collaborated with many ministries and commissions government and initiated a population-based cancer screening program in high-risk area of rural China, targeting three types of cancer that are most prevalent in these areas, including esophageal, stomach and liver cancer. This study protocol was reported to show the design and evaluate the effectiveness of cancer screening and appropriate screening strategies of three cancers in rural China.

Methods and analysis: A two-step design with cancer risk assessment based on questionnaire interview, Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) test strip and subsequent clinical intervention for high-risk populations was adopted free of charge at the local hospitals designated in the program.

Ethic and dissemination: This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College. The results will evaluate the effectiveness of cancer screening and appropriate screening strategies in rural China.