Dr Kim Guowei – General Surgeon in Singapore
Dr Kim Guowei - General Surgeon at Crest Surgical Practice in Singapore (Mt Elizabeth & Gleneagles Hospitals), specialising in Upper Gastrointestinal, Bariatric, and Robotic Surgery.
Stomach Cancer Screening
This article explains the various screening methods for stomach cancer, including gastroscopy, GASTROClear, and tumor markers.
What Is Stomach Cancer Screening?
Stomach cancer screening is a medical procedure that is aimed at detecting stomach cancer at an early stage or in individuals at higher risk of developing stomach cancer, before the onset of symptoms. In Singapore, stomach cancer is the 7th and 9th most common cancer and is common among older men. The primary purpose of stomach cancer screening is to identify any abnormal changes or cancerous growths in the stomach lining as early as possible, when the disease may be more treatable.
Learn More: Stomach Cancer In Singapore >>
There are various methods used for stomach cancer screening including GASTROClear, a biomarker blood test, tumour marker blood tests such as Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) and CA 19-9, and gastroscopy. Gastroscopy is the gold standard for gastric cancer detection that detects and diagnoses abnormalities in the food pipe, stomach and upper part of the small intestine.
GASTROClear™ Stomach Cancer Blood Test By MiRXES
GASTROClear™ by Singapore biotech firm MiRXES, is a biomarker blood test that makes it easy and convenient for people to get screened for the risk of stomach cancer. Minimally invasive and less time-consuming, it is a biomarker blood test that measures the levels of 12 microRNAs (genetic materials) in the blood that are associated with stomach cancer. The result from the GASTROClear test will tell whether the patient is at low risk, moderate risk or high risk of getting stomach cancer.
If the result shows that the patient has a low risk, he / she can get the test repeated yearly. However, if the result shows the patient is at moderate level, he / she can either repeat the test every 6 months or go straight to a gastroenterologist. If the test result shows high risk, a gastroenterologist should be consulted on doing a gastroscopy.
Who Should Take A GASTROClear Test?
According to Mirxes, the test may be taken by people of either sex, aged 40 years or older. They should be of “average risk” of getting stomach cancer (i.e. without symptoms of stomach cancer), but have one or more risk factors.
Where To Get GASTROClear
GASTROClear Screening Is Available At AsiaMedic Wellness Assessment Centre
You can take a GASTROClear test by itself, or as part of your overall 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 options for people wishing to screen for stomach cancer with GASTROClear.
GASTROClear is also available at over 50 clinics and hospitals in Singapore. If you are interested in getting tested with GASTROClear, you can consult Mirxes’ listing to find a clinic or hospital near you that offers this product.
Gastroscopy Screening
A gastroscopy is considered the “gold standard” for stomach cancer screening. It is an endoscopic procedure for detecting and diagnosing abnormalities in the food pipe, stomach and upper part of the small intestine. Gastroscopy is useful as it can help doctors to identify conditions that have yet to present any symptoms. Such conditions if left untreated could progress and become more difficult to treat. For instance, a H.Pylori infection could possibly lead to chronic inflammation in the stomach lining and result in cancer in the longer term.
Who Should Consider A Gastroscopy?
Individuals considering a gastroscopy should first consult a doctor. Some conditions that may indicate a need for the procedure include:
- Aged 40 years and above with a family history of cancer or stomach ailments.
- Experiencing upper abdominal pain.
- Chronic heartburn or acid reflux.
- Upper abdominal area pain or discomfort.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Blood in the stool.
- Iron deficiency anemia.
- Experiencing pain when swallowing.
Gastroscopy And Colonoscopy
In some cases, both gastroscopy and colonoscopy may be ordered by a medical professional. It is often known as a “combined endoscopy” or “upper and lower endoscopy.”
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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.