Multi-Cancer Screening Blood Test – SPOT-MAS

Cancer remains the leading cause of death in Singapore, with approximately one in four individuals likely to develop the disease within their lifetime. While traditional screening methods have significantly improved survival rates for specific conditions, many aggressive cancers go undetected until they reach advanced stages. Recent medical advancements have introduced multi-cancer screening technology, such as the SPOT-MAS™ test, which offers a proactive way to identify early signals of multiple cancers from a single blood sample.

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Understanding The Basics Of Cancer

Cancer is a complex condition characterised by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. In a healthy body, cells divide and die in an orderly fashion. However, genetic mutations can disrupt this process, causing cells to multiply rapidly and form masses known as tumours. Cancers are generally classified into two categories: solid tumours (such as lung or breast cancer) and haematological malignancies (blood cancers like leukaemia).

In Singapore, the most common cancers include colorectal, lung, and prostate cancer in men, and breast, colorectal, and uterine cancer in women. The primary challenge in oncology is that many of these diseases do not produce noticeable symptoms during their early, most treatable stages.

How Blood Tests Work For Cancer Screening

Traditionally, blood-based cancer screening relied on “tumour markers”—specific proteins like PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) or CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen). While useful, these markers often lack the precision needed for early detection as their levels can fluctuate due to non-cancerous inflammation or infections.

Modern multi-cancer detection utilizes “liquid biopsy” technology. As tumour cells grow, they shed tiny fragments of genetic material, known as circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA), into the bloodstream. Advanced laboratory techniques can now isolate these fragments and analyse their unique “fingerprints.” By identifying specific patterns in the DNA—such as chemical tags (methylation) or fragment sizes—doctors can detect the presence of cancer even when no physical lump is visible on a scan.

What Is SPOT-MAS And How Does It Work

SPOT-MAS™ is a non-invasive, multi-cancer early detection (MCED) blood test developed specifically to address the most prevalent cancers in Singapore and Southeast Asia. It is a laboratory-developed test that employs Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to provide a comprehensive health audit.

The Mechanism Of SPOT-MAS

The test analyses multiple features of ctDNA found in a 10ml blood sample. Unlike simpler tests that only look for one type of signal, SPOT-MAS™ uses a multimodal approach:

• Methylation Patterns: Identifying chemical changes that turn specific genes on or off.
• Fragmentomics: Analysing the length and distribution of DNA fragments, which differ between healthy cells and tumour cells.
• Copy Number Alterations: Checking for abnormal numbers of gene copies.
• Protein Markers: Incorporating traditional protein signals to increase accuracy.

By combining these data points, the AI algorithm determines if a cancer signal is present and identifies the most likely tissue of origin (e.g., the liver or lungs) with an accuracy of approximately 84%.

The Advantages Of SPOT-MAS

• Simultaneous Screening: A single blood draw can screen for signals associated with 10 major cancer types, including lung, liver, breast, colorectal, stomach, and pancreatic cancers.
• Early Detection Capability: It is designed to find cancer signals at Stage I or II, where the 5-year survival rate can be as high as 90%.
• High Specificity: With a specificity rate of approximately 99.8%, the test is highly effective at minimizing “false alarms,” ensuring that healthy individuals are not subjected to unnecessary anxiety.
• Convenience: The procedure is a standard blood draw that takes less than 15 minutes and does not require fasting or invasive preparations like a colonoscopy.

The Disadvantages Of SPOT-MAS

• Not A Diagnostic Tool: A “Detected” result does not mean you have cancer. It serves as a red flag that requires follow-up diagnostic tests, such as a CT scan or a biopsy, to confirm the findings.
• Cost Considerations: In Singapore, the test typically costs between $800 and $1,300. It is currently not covered by national subsidies like the Screen for Life programme.
• Sensitivity Limits: While excellent for many cancers, the test may not detect every case, especially if a tumour is very small or does not shed much DNA into the blood.
• Scope: The standard SPOT-MAS™ test focuses on 10 specific cancer types; it will not detect every possible malignancy in the body.

When Is SPOT-MAS Used

In the Singaporean context, SPOT-MAS™ is recommended for adults aged 40 and above as part of an annual health screening. It is particularly valuable for individuals with:

1. A strong family history of cancer.
2. Chronic conditions such as Hepatitis B or C (which increase liver cancer risk).
3. Lifestyle risks, including a history of smoking or heavy alcohol consumption.
4. A desire for a proactive, comprehensive health check that goes beyond standard screenings.

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Protect your health proactively with early cancer detection. Contact us for a health screening appointment or cancer screening.

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