Cancer Screening at Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital
Having good health and the ability to enjoy life is a blessing. Taking care of our health includes being attentive to changes in our bodies and, where appropriate, undergoing screening that may help identify certain abnormalities before symptoms become noticeable.
As a specialised cancer hospital, Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital offers different cancer screening options based on individual needs and risk factors, ranging from conventional imaging and laboratory screening to newer multi-cancer early detection technology.
SPOT-MAS Multi-Cancer Early Detection
One Blood Test. Screening for 10 Types of Cancer
SPOT-MAS is an AI-powered Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) blood test available at Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital.
Unlike conventional screening tests that usually focus on one particular organ or type of cancer, SPOT-MAS analyses circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA), small fragments of DNA released by cancer cells into the bloodstream, to look for cancer signals across multiple organs using a single blood sample.
What Cancers Does SPOT-MAS Screen For?
SPOT-MAS screens for signals associated with 10 types of cancer:
- Breast
- Lung
- Colorectal
- Stomach
- Liver & Biliary Tract
- Ovarian
- Pancreatic
- Oesophageal
- Head & Neck
- Endometrial
Why Consider SPOT-MAS?
SPOT-MAS offers a simple, non-invasive way to screen for cancer signals across multiple organs using just a 10 mL blood sample.
Who Should Consider SPOT-MAS?
SPOT-MAS is primarily intended for adults aged 40 and above.
Adults below 40 may also consider the test if they have higher-risk factors such as:
- Family history of cancer
- Hereditary cancer risks
- Heavy smoking
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- Liver disease
If you are unsure whether SPOT-MAS is appropriate for you, speak to our healthcare team about your age, medical history and individual risk factors.
What to Expect After Your SPOT MAS Test?
Your SPOT-MAS 10 result will fall into one of three categories:
Negative: No cancer signal detected
No cancer signal has been identified. Repeat testing is recommended annually or as advised by your healthcare provider.
Intermediate: Further testing recommended
The result is inconclusive. A repeat SPOT-MAS test is required within six months and the cost of the 2nd test is fully covered by Gene Solutions.
Positive: Cancer signal detected
The report will indicate the likely organ from which the cancer signal originated. Further diagnostic investigation, such as imaging, will be required. Under the patient support programme, Gene Solutions provides a subsidy of up to RM2,000 towards follow-up imaging.
ProActive Cancer Screening Program
At Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital in Penang, our ProActive Cancer Screening Program provides affordable cancer screening options for men and women through a combination of selected imaging, laboratory tests and consultation with an oncologist.
Cancer Screening For Men
The screening includes:
- Pre-consultation
- Vital signs examination
- Ultrasound of the upper abdomen
- Ultrasound of the abdomen and pelvis
- Chest X-ray
- Laboratory tests
- Post-screening consultation with an oncologist
Price: RM692
Cancer Screening For Women
The screening includes:
- Pre-consultation
- Vital signs examination
- Mammogram of both breasts – RM872
- OR ultrasound of both breasts – RM922
- Ultrasound of the abdomen and pelvis
- Chest X-ray
- Laboratory tests
- Post-screening consultation with an oncologist
Price: RM872 or RM922 based on package
Laboratory Tests Included
The ProActive Cancer Screening programme includes a range of laboratory tests for men and women.
| Laboratory Test | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|
| Full Blood Count | ✓ | ✓ |
| Renal Function Test | ✓ | ✓ |
| Liver Function Test | ✓ | ✓ |
| Urine FEME | ✓ | ✓ |
| TSH | ✓ | ✓ |
| ESR | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blood Film Comment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Glucose | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lipid | ✓ | ✓ |
| HBs Ag & Ab | ✓ | ✓ |
| AFP | ✓ | ✓ |
| CEA | ✓ | ✓ |
| HCG (Quantitative) | ✓ | ✓ |
| CA 19.9 (For Pancreas Tumour) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Total PSA | — | ✓ |
| CA 12.5 (For Ovarian Tumour) | ✓ | — |
| CA 15.3 (For Breast Tumour) | ✓ | ✓ |
Additional Laboratory Tests Available
Depending on individual needs, the following laboratory tests are also available at an additional cost.
| Additional Laboratory Test | Price |
| EBV VCA IgA (NPC) | RM30 |
| ProGRP (Lung) | RM110 |
| NSE (Lung) | RM110 |
| Rheumatoid Factor | RM30 |
| RPR (with Titre and TPPA if reactive) | RM20 |
| CYFRA 21-1 (Lung) | RM110 |
| Pap Smear (Conventional) | RM178 (Urgent: RM92) |
| SurePath – Liquid Based Cytology Pap Smear | RM126 |
| Faecal Occult Blood | RM125 |
Additional Imaging and Screening Tests
The following examinations are also available separately:
| Test | Price |
| Ultrasound Breast (Bilateral) | RM126 |
| Mammogram – Both Breasts | RM153 |
| Low Dose Thorax CT Scan (without Contrast) | RM405 |
Understanding the Role of Cancer Screening
Cancer screening is intended to identify certain abnormalities or early signs of cancer before noticeable symptoms develop. When a potential concern is detected, further investigations can be arranged to better understand the cause and determine whether treatment is needed.
For some cancers, detecting the disease at an earlier stage may provide more treatment options. Cancer that has not spread to other parts of the body may also be easier to manage, and treatment may sometimes be less extensive than when cancer is discovered at a more advanced stage. Earlier diagnosis can therefore improve the possibility of successful treatment and may help reduce some of the complications associated with more advanced disease.
The screening that is appropriate for one person may not necessarily be suitable for another. Factors such as age, medical history and individual risk can influence which examinations may be recommended. Screening also has limitations: an abnormal result does not necessarily mean that cancer is present, while a normal screening result cannot completely rule out the possibility of cancer developing in the future.
Can I Undergo an Individual Screening Test?
Yes. It is not necessary to undergo the complete ProActive Cancer Screening package if you are seeking a particular examination.
Individual procedures such as a mammogram, breast ultrasound or other available screening tests can be arranged separately. Where appropriate, a consultation may be recommended so that the doctor can advise which examination is most suitable for your circumstances.
Preparing for Your Cancer Screening
Some examinations require preparation beforehand. Following the instructions provided by our team can help ensure that your screening proceeds smoothly.
Fasting
If your screening includes blood tests and ultrasound, you are required to fast for at least eight hours from midnight before your scheduled appointment.
Plain water is allowed.
Medication
Patients taking medication for diabetes should follow the instructions provided by the screening team regarding when their medication should be taken in relation to the blood test.
Other prescribed medicines should continue to be taken according to your doctor’s instructions. If you are unsure whether a particular medicine should be taken before your appointment, please check with our team beforehand.
Mammogram
Before undergoing a mammogram:
- Do not apply deodorant, body lotion or powder before the examination.
- Where possible, schedule the examination after menstruation.
- Women who are breastfeeding should inform the screening team when arranging an appointment.
X-Ray
If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, please inform our team before undergoing an X-ray.
What Should I Bring?
Please bring your:
- Malaysian identification card (I/C), or
- Passport if you are a non-resident.
Payment can currently be made by cash or major Visa and Mastercard credit cards.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does cancer screening cost at Mount Miriam?
The current ProActive Cancer Screening package is RM692 for men.
For women, the package is currently RM872 with mammography or RM922 with breast ultrasound.
Prices and package inclusions may change, so please confirm the latest information with our team when arranging your appointment.
Do I need an appointment for cancer screening?
Yes. ProActive Cancer Screening is available by appointment.
Do I need to fast before my screening?
If your screening includes blood tests and ultrasound, you are required to fast for at least eight hours from midnight before your appointment. Plain water is permitted.
Can I undergo only a mammogram, ultrasound or another individual test?
Yes. Individual screening procedures can be arranged without undergoing the complete screening package. A consultation may be recommended so that the doctor can advise which examination is appropriate for your needs.
Are additional tests available?
Yes. A number of additional laboratory and imaging tests are available, including selected Pap Smear tests, breast imaging and Low Dose Thorax CT Scan.
Does an abnormal screening result mean I have cancer?
No. An abnormal result may have many possible causes. Further diagnostic investigation may be necessary before a diagnosis can be made.
Arrange a Cancer Screening Appointment
The ProActive Cancer Screening programme at Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital is available by appointment.
For appointments or further information, please contact our Customer Service team:
Telephone: 04-892 3808
WhatsApp: 016-521 7054
Email: customerservice@mountmiriam.com
