Urine tests could detect stomach cancer, claims Chinese study

Beijing: Stomach cancer can be found through urine, avoiding painful tests, according to a new study by a Chinese hospital.

This has significance in treating stomach cancer as the disease may now be detected at an early stage, state-run China Daily reported Thursday.

A study team from Shanghai's Rui Jin Hospital has found that the tumour marker for stomach cancer can be tested through urine.

The research findings, formulated by a team led by Professor Zhu Zhenggang and Yu Yingyan, from the Shanghai Research Institute of Digestive Surgery, was published in the international academic journal "Oncotarget".

It could mean more to Chinese people, because many miss the best chance for an operation, when cancer is diagnosed in its mid or terminal stage because of their fear of the gastroscope test.

The team is reportedly now working on clinical application.