The African Breast Imaging Dataset for Equitable Cancer Care: Protocol for an Open Mammogram and Ultrasound Breast Cancer Detection Dataset

IntroductionBreast cancer is one of the most common cancers globally. Its incidence in Africa has increased sharply, surpassing that in high-income countries. Mortality remains high due to late-stage diagnosis, when treatment is less effetive. We propose the first open, longitudinal breast imaging dataset from Africa comprising point-of-care ultrasound scans, mammograms, biopsy pathology, and clinical profiles to support early detection using machine learning. Methods and AnalysisWe will engage women through community outreach and train them in self-examination. Those with suspected lesions, particularly with a family history of breast cancer, will be invited to participate. A total of 100 women will undergo baseline assessment at medical centers, including clinical exams, blood tests, and mammograms. Follow-up point-of-care ultrasound scans and clinical data will be collected at 3 and 6 months, with final assessments at 9 months including mammograms. Ethics and DisseminationThe study has been approved by the Institutional Review Boards at ECUREI and the MAI Lab. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and scientific conferences.