Implementing a medical opinion leader-led management model to promote timely treatment initiation among screen-positive patients with upper gastrointestinal cancer in rural China: a cluster randomised controlled trial protocol

Introduction: Upper gastrointestinal cancer (UGC), including oesophageal and gastric cancers, imposes a substantial health burden, particularly in China. Timely treatment after a positive screening result is critical, as treatment delays may contribute to disease progression and poorer outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a management model led by medical opinion leaders (MOLs) in shortening the time to treatment initiation among screen-positive patients with UGC.