In Singapore, stomach cancer screening using gastroscopy is widely available and supported by subsidies. Yet, many people only undergo their first scope when symptoms appear or after a doctor’s referral.
The problem is that by the time symptoms such as pain, bloating, or nausea develop, stomach cancer may already be in an advanced stage. Routine, proactive screening can detect changes in the stomach lining before they progress or cause noticeable discomfort.
This article explains the role of gastroscopy in stomach cancer screening, what the procedure involves and when you should start your first screening — including situations where earlier screening is recommended.
What is a Gastroscopy and Its Role in Stomach Cancer Screening
A gastroscopy (an upper gastrointestinal or upper GI endoscopy) is a medical procedure that allows doctors to examine the inside of your stomach using a thin, flexible tube with a light and high-definition camera. This gives a clear view of the stomach lining, oesophagus and first part of the small intestine.
For stomach cancer screening, gastroscopy is the most accurate and direct method. Unlike scans or blood tests, it allows doctors to identify even subtle abnormalities or precancerous changes, such as atrophic gastritis or intestinal metaplasia, before they become cancerous.
If a suspicious area is found, your doctor can immediately take a biopsy, a small tissue sample, for laboratory analysis.
What Can a Gastroscopy Detect?
Gastroscopy is not only used to detect early-stage stomach cancer, but also to identify several conditions linked to cancer risk, such as:
- Precancerous changes (atrophic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia)
- Polyps or benign growths
- Ulcers and stomach inflammation (gastritis)
- Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection — a major risk factor for stomach cancer
Detecting and treating these problems early gives you more options for less invasive treatment and improves long-term outcomes.
What Happens During a Gastroscopy?
Before the procedure, you’ll need to fast for six to eight hours to ensure your stomach is empty. Sedation is given to help you stay relaxed and comfortable. Most patients do not remember the procedure afterwards.
The doctor will gently insert the endoscope through your mouth to examine your stomach lining in detail. The process typically takes 10–15 minutes.
If biopsies are needed, they will be taken during the same session. Afterwards, you’ll rest until the sedation wears off and can usually go home the same day.
While some bloating may occur from the air introduced into your stomach, there is no cutting or pain involved and recovery is generally quick.
Will a Gastroscopy or Endoscopy Cause Discomfort?
At Surgicare, patients undergoing gastroscopy are given sedation for comfort. This means you’ll be relaxed, and most people do not remember the procedure at all.
While you might feel some bloating from the air introduced into your stomach, there is no pain or cutting involved. You can typically return home the same day.
When Should You Consider Screening for Stomach Cancer?
Average-risk individuals
- Begin screening with gastroscopy at age 50
- Repeat every 2–3 years if results are normal
Higher-risk individuals should start earlier, especially if they have:
- A family history of stomach cancer
- Chronic H. pylori infection
- Gastric polyps or chronic gastritis
- History of stomach surgery for benign disease
- Certain hereditary cancer syndromes
For these groups, screening may start from age 40 or even earlier, depending on your doctor’s advice.
How is a Gastroscopy Different from Tumour Marker Tests?
It is not uncommon for many patients to assume that a tumour marker test (like GastroCLEAR) can replace an endoscopy for stomach cancer screening. However, the two are pretty different:
Tumour marker tests measure certain proteins in the blood that may be elevated in cancer. For stomach cancer, this includes markers like CEA or CA 19-9.
However, these markers are not specific; they can be raised in non-cancer conditions and many early-stage stomach cancers do not cause any rise at all.
Further, while it is true that GastroCLEAR is specially designed for gastric cancer screening, a positive or abnormal GastroCLEAR result still requires confirmation with an endoscopy to visually assess the stomach and take biopsies. This is because blood tests cannot pinpoint the exact location, size, or nature of abnormalities.
An endoscopy or gastroscopy remains the gold standard and direct method for detecting stomach cancer, as it allows your doctor to see the stomach lining in real time and take tissue samples on the spot.
Early Detection Made Simple and Accessible for All
At Surgicare, we are committed to making early detection accessible. Our clinic is MediSave-accredited and collaborates with a comprehensive panel of insurance partners to minimise patients’ out-of-pocket expenses:
- MediSave claimable: Up to $650 SGD can be deducted from your MediSave account.
- Insurance coverage: Depending on your plan, you may be able to claim part or all of the procedure cost. Where eligible, our team can assist with insurance pre-authorisations to ensure a smooth process.
With these options, you can take proactive steps to protect your digestive health with greater ease and peace of mind.
If you’re unsure when to begin screening for stomach cancer, book a consultation with our upper gastrointestinal specialist for a personalised assessment.
In Singapore, endoscopy is covered by many insurance plans with subsidised options available for eligible Singaporeans.
If you’re experiencing ongoing stomach discomfort, unexplained weight loss or other concerning symptoms, help is just a call away.
Call our clinic at +65 6250 5610 or WhatsApp us for an appointment with our stomach cancer specialist.
References:
- https://www.cancer.gov/types/stomach/screening
- Zhang, X., Li, M., Chen, S., Hu, J., Guo, Q., Liu, R., Zheng, H., Jin, Z., Yuan, Y., Xi, Y., & Hua, B. (2018). Endoscopic Screening in Asian Countries Is Associated With Reduced Gastric Cancer Mortality: A Meta-analysis and Systematic Review. Gastroenterology, 155(2), 347–354.e9. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.gastro.2018.04.026
