Urine test to detect stomach cancer

According to a study published in the international academic journal Oncotarget, stomach cancer could be detected by a urine test, avoiding the painful tests that are done now.

The study is significant as stomach cancer may now be detected at an early stage, reported China Daily.

Researchers from Shanghai’s Rui Jin Hospital found that the tumour marker for stomach cancer can be tested through urine.

The research was led by Professor Zhu Zhenggang and Yu Yingyan, from the Shanghai Research Institute of Digestive Surgery.

The current method of detecting cancer is by gastroscopy (inserting a tube from the mouth into the stomach) that many fear.

Due to the ease of detection of this test (all that is required is a urine sample), many who miss the chance for an operation will be on time rather than when cancer is in its mid or terminal stage.

Its clinical application is now being worked upon.