Early detection is one of the most effective strategies in the fight against cancer. When diagnosed in its beginning stages, cancer treatment options are often broader and chances of a full recovery are significantly higher. In many cases, catching a signal early can turn a life-threatening situation into a more manageable condition.
However, achieving this “early warning” has traditionally been a complicated and piecemeal process. Not only do majority of cancers show no symptoms and often progress silently in their early stages, but available screening options are also focused only on detecting individual cancers. There is also a significant gap with many types of cancers currently going undetected till the later stages due to lack of routine screening methods.
Hence, for a long time, we have looked at cancer as an inevitable ambush; something that happens to us, which we then scramble to treat. With the emergence of breakthrough technology known as MCED, this ‘ambush’ is losing its element of surprise and changing the narrative from “reactive” to “proactive”.
In this article, we will look at what MCED tests are, how they work, and what you should consider before getting one.
What is a MCED test and How does it work?
A Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) test is an advanced cancer screening test available in Singapore that uses a single blood sample to detect traces of cancer, including early-stage cancer, even before any symptoms manifest or appear.
Unlike traditional screening methods that focus on a single organ, this non-invasive test uses liquid biopsy technology, next-generation sequencing, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) modelling to simultaneously search for warning signals shared by multiple cancers. It works by analysing the blood sample for circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) – altered DNA fragments left behind by cancer tumour cells in the bloodstream – to detect and identify the presence of cancer.
At its core, MCED is essentially a way to audit the entire body’s health at a cellular level, finding the molecular traces of a tumour long before it is large enough to show up on any scan or be felt during a physical exam. It represents a shift from reactive cancer treatment to proactive detection, giving both clinicians and patients the chance to act while the odds are still overwhelmingly in their favour,
What type of MCED testing can I get at Alliance Medical Centre?
At Alliance Medical Centre, we offer the SPOT-MAS 10 MCED cancer screening test developed by Gene Solutions. SPOT-MAS is the first MCED test to obtain clinical validation in Asia and has proven accuracy in cancer signal detection and tumour location prediction.
Powered by SPOT-MAS™, the SPOT-MAS10 test is designed to simultaneously screen for cancers across up to 10 organs, including the following:
- Breast
- Colorectum
- Esophagus / Oesophagus
- Head and Neck
- Liver-Biliary Tract
- Lungs
- Ovaries
- Pancreas
- Thyroid
- Uterus
Key Benefits of Early Detection Screening via SPOT-MAS 10
- Stage-shift Advantage – The primary goal of MCED and SPOT-MAS 10 is to detect cancer at its early stages. When cancer is caught early, treatment options are often broader and less intensive, with higher chances of success.
- Detect Unscreened Cancers – MCED tests provide a much-needed warning system for ‘silent killers’ such as ovarian and pancreatic cancers, which currently lack established screening methods.
- ‘One and Done’ Blood Draw – Unlike traditional screenings that involve invasive procedures or radiation-heavy scans to screen for one cancer, SPOT-MAS 10 only requires a simple blood draw to screen for multiple cancers.
Are MCED tests enough on their own?
MCED tests are powerful supplementary screening tools for multi-cancer early detection. They are designed to be complementary to the cancer screening protocols recommended by the Ministry of Health (MOH). Further specialist medical evaluation and diagnostic testing may be recommended by your doctor for positive results from the SPOT-MAS 10 test.
Who should take the SPOT-MAS 10 test?
The test is suitable and recommended for the following individuals:
- Persons with a positive family history of cancer
- Persons with an elevated risk of cancer (e.g. lifestyle habits or occupational exposures)
- Adults aged 40 years old and above
- Those who are uncomfortable with or want to go beyond traditional cancer screening
However, there are some individuals who may not be suited for the SPOT-MAS10 MCED test. This includes pregnant woman, individuals who have been diagnosed with cancer within the last 5 years, as well as individuals with a history of bone marrow transplant or whole blood transfusion within the last 3 months.
If you are keen on the SPOT-MAS 10 cancer screening and unsure if the tests are appropriate for you, book an appointment and speak with our doctor to find out more.
When to take an MCED test?
SPOT-MAS 10 is designed to work as complementary layers to routine health screening tests rather than a replacement for it. While there are no clear guidelines on the frequency of MCED testing, a yearly screen in conjunction with the usual annual health check-up is recommended for convenience and to create a more complete picture of one’s overall health status.
Ready to take greater control of your health?
Your health is your most valuable asset. Schedule a conversation with our Alliance Medical Centre doctor to discuss your risk factors and find out if adding an MCED test to your annual screening is the right move for you.
