Dr Benjamin Yip – Gastroenterologist In Singapore
Dr Benjamin Yip (Gastroenterologist & Hepatologist) is the Medical Director of Alpha Digestive & Liver Centre in Singapore.
GASTROClear™ Test Singapore: An Accurate, Convenient Blood Test For Stomach Cancer Screening
Stomach cancer (also known as gastric cancer) is the sixth cause of cancer deaths in men and the seventh in women in Singapore, according to data from the Singapore Cancer Registry Annual Report 2021. As stomach cancer in its early stages may show no symptoms, early detection is important for timely and effective treatment. In this article we introduce GASTROClear test in Singapore, a minimally invasive blood test to assess your risk profile for stomach cancer.
Risk Factors For Stomach Cancer
- Family history of gastric cancer.
- Personal history of Helicobacter pylori infection.
- Chronic gastritis.
- High consumption of fried foods, smoked foods, salted fish, processed meats, and pickled foods.
- Consumption of foods containing nitrites and nitrates, commonly found in cured meats.
- Low consumption of fruits and vegetables.
Stomach Cancer Early Detection: The Role of GASTROClear
GASTROClear by MiRXES is a stomach cancer blood test – the first of its kind in the world designed to detect stomach cancer in individuals who may not yet be experiencing any symptoms. GASTROClear is the result of an international collaboration led by the Singapore Gastric Cancer Consortium (SGCC) and involved researchers and clinicians from Singapore and South Korea. By analysing a small blood sample, GASTROClear can provide information about your risk of developing stomach cancer, categorising it as low, moderate or high.
How Does GASTROClear Work?
Stomach cancer is typically diagnosed through gastroscopy with biopsy. However, gastroscopy is costly and invasive, often requiring fasting and the administration of sedatives or anesthesia.
In contrast, GASTROClear is a minimally invasive and time-efficient screening method that determines a person’s likelihood of having stomach cancer. Diseases such as cancer, often result in abnormal levels of certain associated biomaterials called microRNAs in the blood. GASTROClear measures the levels of 12 microRNAs in the serum that are produced by stomach cancer cells. By using GASTROClear, doctors can assess a patient’s risk of stomach cancer even before symptoms become apparent.
If the results indicate an elevated risk of stomach cancer compared to the general population, the patient may be advised to undergo additional tests, such as gastroscopy, to confirm the diagnosis. Doctors will receive guidelines for follow-up recommendations tailored to each risk group to effectively manage patient care.
As with any early detection tests, it is important to consult your doctor to get a proper understanding of the results and for an appropriate follow-up plan of action. It should be noted that GASTROClear is not intended as a replacement for gastroscopy in the diagnostic process.
Early detection through GASTROClear, as opposed to waiting for symptoms to manifest, empowers patients to adopt a proactive approach to managing their risks and seeking timely medical attention, ultimately leading to the best possible outcome
How Accurate Is GASTROClear In Detecting Stomach Cancer?
GASTROClear has been validated to exhibit a sensitivity of 82% and a specificity of 88% in detecting stomach cancer among asymptomatic, average-risk individuals in Chinese and South Korean populations. In a symptomatic, high-risk population in Singapore, GASTROClear demonstrated sensitivities of 87.5% for stage I and 89.5% for stage II stomach cancer, while maintaining a specificity of 68.4%.
Who Should Take A GASTROClear Test?
GASTROClear is suitable for individuals of either gender who are aged 40 years or older and have one or more risk factors for stomach cancer.
Three Reasons Why Should You Take A GASTROClear Test
#1 Detect Stomach Cancer Earlier
GASTROClear is highly accurate in identifying an increased risk of stomach cancer, often before any symptoms manifest. This early detection capability eliminates the need to wait for symptoms to prompt a gastroscopy, resulting in the diagnosis of stomach cancer at an earlier stage.
#2 Understand And Manage Your Risk For Stomach Cancer
Even if follow-up gastroscopy does not confirm the presence of stomach cancer, a GASTROClear test result indicating an increased risk level can serve as a signal to proactively adopt preventive measures against stomach cancer. These measures may include adopting a healthier diet and lifestyle. Additionally, during follow-up gastroscopy, pre-cancerous polyps can be identified and removed if present.
#3 Convenient And Non-Invasive
GASTROClear, as a highly accurate blood screening method for assessing stomach cancer risks, can be considered a valuable option for individuals who have concerns about the potential of stomach cancer but seek to minimise their exposure to sedatives and the invasive aspects associated with gastroscopy.
GASTROClear FAQs
GASTROClear is a blood test that measures the levels of 12 microRNAs in the blood that are associated with stomach cancer. It is able to accurately detect stomach cancer, even before symptoms show. This allows the patient to seek further medical attention, and for the cancer to be treated earlier.
According to Mirxes, GASTROClear detects all stages of stomach cancer with up to 86% sensitivity and up to 89% specificity verified in an asymptomatic, average-risk population.
GASTROClear is not a replacement for gastroscopy. However, compared to gastroscopy, it is minimally invasive, less time-consuming, and costs less. Significantly also, it avoids the sedation and other risks associated with gastroscopies. Your doctor will advise you on the need for further diagnosis if your test results indicate an elevated risk of stomach cancer.
People of either gender who are aged 40 years or older and have one or more risk factors for stomach cancer can consider GASTROClear.
Risk Factors For Stomach Cancer include:
- Family history of stomach cancer.
- Personal history of Helicobacter pylori infection.
- Chronic gastritis.
- High consumption of fried foods, smoked foods, salted fish, processed meats, and pickled foods.
- Consumption of foods containing nitrites and nitrates, commonly found in cured meats.
- Low consumption of fruits and vegetables.
The cost of a GASTROClear test depends on the clinic offering the test. It may typically be priced from SGD 300.
Patients need to avoid food 2 hours before having their blood drawn. It is recommended that they do not drink alcohol, smoke, or eat pickled food for at least 1 day before blood collection.
No, the GASTROClear is not supported or subsidised by the government fund.
Normally, you can get the report within 3 weeks after the test.
More FAQ from here.
Where Can I Get A GASTROClear Test?
Get GASTROClear testing At AsiaMedic Wellness Assessment Centre
You can undergo a GASTROClear screening by itself or as part of your comprehensive health screening. AsiaMedic, a leading healthcare provider in Singapore with over 25 years of experience in providing premier medical services in advanced diagnostic imaging, clinical services and preventive care, offers a range of choices for individuals interested in screening for stomach cancer using GASTROClear.
AsiaMedic Wellness Assessment Centre is located at Shaw House, along Orchard Road, Singapore. Orchard MRT station is within walking distance.
Consult Our Preferred Doctor - Dr Benjamin Yip
Dr Benjamin Yip is a Consultant Gastroenterologist in Singapore, and the Medical Director at Alpha Digestive & Liver Centre.
GASTROClear is meant to complement a gastroscopy (procedure to examine the upper gastrointestinal tract) and other diagnostic tests. Due to GASTROClear blood test’s non-invasive nature, it might be a friendlier and more comfortable option for patients who wish to test for early stage stomach cancer but are afraid of undergoing a gastroscopy. Depending on your age, risk factors and lifestyle, Dr Yip will advise you accordingly.
Further Reading On GASTROClear
What Is GASTROClear™ Test?
In this article, we will explore what is GASTROClear test - how it works, its accuracy, and reasons why you.
FAQs About GASTROClear™
In this article, we answer the 5 top FAQs about GASTROClear, a stomach cancer blood test developed by Singapore biotech.
Does GASTROClear Replace Gastroscopy For Gastric Cancer Detection?
In this article, we answer the question - does GASTROClear replace gastroscopy for gastric cancer detection?
GASTROClear Blood Test For Gastric Cancer – Are You Suitable For It?
GASTROClear is an accurate blood test for early detection of gastric cancer. Find out if you may be suitable to.
Stomach Cancer Screening In Singapore With GASTROClear
There is now an option for a minimally-invasion stomach cancer screening procedure in Singapore. Read on to find out about.
Disclaimers
- MiRXES GASTROClear is an invitro diagnostic assay intended for use as an adjunctive test for the detection of gastric neoplasia associated miRNA biomarkers in human serum. GASTROClear is NOT intended as a replacement for gastroscopy; it should be used in conjunction with gastroscopy and other test methods. It is thus an adjunctive tool to aid in the detection of gastric cancer. As such, only patients who met certain criteria are tested using GASTROClear based on recommendation by the physician. The results obtained from the test may indicate the presence of gastric cancer and the patient then goes for gastroscopy as required. The output of GASTROClear is a risk score, where a high score may indicate the presence of gastric cancer and should be followed up by gastroscopy. This test is intended for adults of either sex, 40 years or older, at average risk of having gastric cancer with one of the following risk factors:
- Family history of stomach cancer
- A history of Helicobacter Pylori (H. Pylori) infection
- Previous history of stomach lymphoma and stomach polyps
- Long term stomach inflammation (chronic gastritis)
- Diets containing large amounts of fried food, smoked foods, salted fish, processed meat, and pickled foods.
- Diets containing nitrites and nitrates substances commonly found in cured meats.
- Diet low in fruits and vegetables
- Smoking
2. MiRXES GASTROClear is approved and listed with Health Sciences Authority (HSA) in Singapore and CE Mark under the EU IVD Directive 98/79/EC.
3. For up-to-date product specific disclaimers, see the respective MiRXES GASTROClear instructions for use. MiRXES GASTROClear instructions for use can be requested from MiRXES Technical Services or your local distributor.
4. Trademarks: MiRXES GASTROClear™ is registered trademark for MiRXES, Inc. All other product names, trademarks, and registered trademarks that may appear in this document are property of their respective owners.
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This article is informative only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.