New EU Gastric Cancer Screening Trial at Beacon Hospital

Dr Charlene Deane, Clinical Research Registrar & Special Registrar in Gastroenterology, Hepatology & General Internal Medicine at Beacon Hospital was asked by Image.ie readers if screening is available for Gastric Cancers.

Charlene explains that though a screening program is not currently available, the EU is crunning a trial to determine the feasibility of implementing one. Beacon Hospital has been chosen to run the Irish part of this trial, called TOGAS. Charlene and her team are currently looking for persons aged between 30 and 34 to take part in this trial.

The trial involves taking a blood sample to be screened for a certain bacteria known as Helicobacter  Pylori. This bacteria is known to be a major cause of gastric cancer, however if this bacteria is found, it an be treated. Those taking part in the trial get this screening free of charge. If they are found positive for Helicobacter Pylori, they will be treated for this free of charge also.

Read more on what Dr Deane had to say on Image.ie here.

To find out more about the TOGAS Trial, or to get involved, click here.