Stomach Cancer Screening

Understanding Stomach Cancer

According to the Health Promotion Board, stomach cancer is the fifth most common cancer in men and the seventh most common cancer in women in Singapore. Eating food with high nitrate contents such as corned beef tops the risks of having stomach cancer. Eating pickled or heavily salted foods, having stomach ulcers, smoking, drinking alcohol and having stomach infections also increase the risk of having stomach cancer.

Aside from early stomach cancer screening in Singapore, you can reduce the risk of having stomach cancer by making simple lifestyle changes. Eating more fresh fruits and vegetables and avoiding alcohol intake and smoking can keep your stomach healthier.

Who should go for screening?

• People with strong family history of gastric cancer
• People who have had previous stomach surgery
• People who have had previous history of H-Pyroli infection

Preparing For Stomach Cancer Screening

How is stomach cancer screening in Singapore hospital or outpatient clinics carried out? Below are diagnostic tests:

• Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. The doctor inserts a thin, lighted flexible tube with a camera at the tip into your stomach through your esophagus to check for cancers in your esophagus, stomach and duodenum, or the beginning of the small intestines. Before undergoing an Upper GI endoscopy, do advise your doctor of medicines you are currently taking and avoid taking meals or drinking 8-10 hours before the procedure. Your doctor will give you instructions on how to prepare for it. Follow these instructions carefully to avoid complications during and after the procedure.
• Barium Liquid. The doctor will get you to drink a Barium liquid which helps your stomach show more clearly on an X-ray.
• Biopsy. If the doctor sees areas in your stomach that look abnormal, he may take samples of tissue in that area which will be examined for cancer cells.

Treatment Of Stomach Cancer

With early stomach cancer screening, stomach cancer can be readily treated by surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Your family doctor may order a stomach cancer screening in Singapore outpatient clinics or hospitals if signs and symptoms persist. Upon receiving this order, do not delay in having a stomach cancer screening.

Early Stomach Cancer Screening Can Save Your Life

Remember, you don’t have to suffer from stomach cancer. Treatment is readily available. All you need to do is to immediately follow your doctor’s order for a stomach cancer screening.

Stomach cancer screening in Singapore, as well as in other countries, are usually painless procedures that do not require long-term hospital confinement. Discuss the available options with your doctor today.

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