Meet Dr Benjamin Yip – Gastroenterologist In Singapore
Get to know Dr Benjamin Yip (Gastroenterologist & Hepatologist), the Medical Director of Alpha Digestive & Liver Centre in Singapore.
Stomach (Gastric) And Colorectal Cancer Screening
Learn about various screening methods for stomach (gastric) cancer, including gastroscopy, GASTROClear, and tumor markers, as well as screening methods for colorectal cancer, such as colonoscopy.
What Is Stomach (Gastric) 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.
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.
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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
Get GASTROClear Screening 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 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.
What Is Colorectal Cancer Screening?
In Singapore, colorectal cancer is the top killer cancer. Colorectal cancer screening aims for early detection and prevention of colorectal cancer, which includes cancers of the colon and rectum. Screening methods are employed to identify precancerous growths (polyps) or cancer at its earliest stages, often when it is more treatable or curable.
Some of the common colorectal cancer screening methods include Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT), tumour marker (CEA) and colonoscopy, the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening.
Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)
FIT is considered a “preliminary” screening for colorectal cancer. It can detect the presence of small amounts of blood in faeces and can be nearly 80% accurate in detecting colorectal cancer. If the results are positive, the patient should follow up with further investigations to confirm the cause of the results. It is a simple, non-invasive test to undertake, and should be done annually.
Colonoscopy Screening
Colonoscopy screening for colorectal cancer is (to date) the best screening method as it enables the doctor to detect and remove the polyp before it becomes cancer.
Colonoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure for examining the inside of the colon. During colonoscopy, a colonoscope is inserted into the patient through the rectum. The colonoscope is a long, soft and flexible tube about 1 cm in width, with a small video camera located at the end. With this, the doctor can see the inside of the colon and diagnose any abnormality. The procedure may take about 20 – 30 minutes.
Polyps and other types of abnormal tissues that are discovered during a colonoscopy may be removed using the colonoscope during the procedure.
Who Should Screen For Colorectal Cancer?
The following table is based on MOH guidelines for colorectal cancer screening using colonoscopy in Singapore:
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.”
Consult Our Preferred Doctor On Gastroscopy And Colonoscopy
Dr Benjamin Yip is a Consultant Gastroenterologist in Singapore, and the Medical Director at Alpha Digestive & Liver Centre. He has expertise in advanced endoscopy and also regularly performs general endoscopies including gastroscopy and colonoscopy (diagnostic and therapeutic).
Dr Yip has performed over 6,000 endoscopies since 2010, and is the winner of the Alexandra Health Service Champion Award (2016) in recognition of his dedication to patient care.
Click on the images below to contact us to arrange a consultation with Dr Benjamin Yip.
Book A Gastric Or Colorectal Cancer Screening
If you have any questions related to stomach (gastric) screening or colorectal screening, or if you are interested in booking, please contact us by clicking the button below.
Consult A Gastroenterologist In Singapore
A gastroenterologist is a specialist doctor with expertise in diseases affecting the digestive system (including the esophagus, stomach, small & large intestines, rectum and anus). You may consult a gastroenterologist for matters relating to gastric and colorectal conditions, as well as screening procedures including gastroscopy and colonoscopy. Click below for a comprehensive list of gastroenterologists in Singapore that we have compiled.
Gastroenterologists In Singapore
We have compiled for your easy reference from various public sources a list of gastroenterologists in Singapore. A gastroenterologist has.
Learn More About Stomach (Gastric) Cancer And Colorectal Cancer Screening
Further Reading On Stomach (Gastric) Cancer
Gastroscopy In Singapore
Reviewed by Dr Benjamin Yip. In this article, we look at gastroscopy in Singapore - what it is , what.
Stomach Cancer Treatment In Singapore
What are the options for stomach cancer treatment in Singapore, and the best hospitals and clinics for treatment? Find out.
Stomach Cancer Risk Factors
The actual cause of stomach cancer is unknown. However, there are stomach cancer risk factors that can increase your risk.
Stomach Cancer Diagnosis And Staging
Stomach cancer is a common cancer in Singapore. Find out what the diagnosis options are, the cost, and how stomach.
Signs And Symptoms Of Stomach Cancer You Should Look Out For
Early stage stomach cancer may be asymptomatic. In its later stages, the following signs and symptoms of stomach cancer may.
Stomach Cancer In Singapore – An Overview
Stomach cancer in Singapore has a relatively high incident rate. It is the 7th and 9th most common cancer in.
Further Reading On Colorectal Cancer
MP Baey Yam Keng Had Polyps Removed During Colonoscopy Screening For Colorectal Cancer
MP for Tampines GRC Mr Baey Yam Keng had 3 benign polyps found and removed during a colonoscopy screening for.
[Perspectives] The Benefits Of Colonoscopy In Reducing The Risk Of Colorectal Cancer And Improving Survival
Are the benefits of colonoscopy real or overstated? The results of a recent study shows that the benefits are substantial.
[Perspectives] Colonoscopy And South Korea’s World Beating Colon Cancer Survival Rate
South Korea has a colon cancer survival rate that is one of the highest in the world. How did they.
Colonoscopy: The Best Test For Colorectal Cancer Screening
Colorectal cancer is a top cancer in Singapore, especially for Chinese males. Colonoscopy is the best test for colorectal cancer.
Colorectal Cancer Survival Rates in Singapore and Other Statistics
Colorectal cancer is among Singapore's most frequently diagnosed cancers. Survival rates are high when the disease is diagnosed early.
How to Prevent Colon Cancer
There is no definitive way to prevent colon cancer. However, there are preventive measures can help lower the risk of.
