Screening for Nasopharyngeal Cancer

There are many different ways of detecting Nasopharyngeal Cancer (NPC) such as fiberoptic examination, diagnostic imaging, and tumor serology. However, even with these methods, only 10% of cases worldwide are presently diagnosed in their early stages. About 60% of patients are diagnosed for the first time with a neck lump, when cancer has already metastasized in the lymph nodes; 30% of NPC cases are sub-mucosal (under the skin) leaving naso-endoscopy or fiberoptic examination ineffective.

The most accurate way to test for the presence of NPC is the NP Screen™ genetic test. This test is 99% accurate and very sensitively detects the infectious presence of Epstein-Barr virus in the genetic materials of the patient.

*Based on clinical trials

NP Screen™ has 99% accuracy for detection of NPC, a high accuracy rate that compares favorably to the other screening tests, including Mammograms (85-90%) and Pap Smears (71-81%).

The test directly samples cells from the nasopharyngeal area. So, in addition to its high level of accuracy, the test is very easy for patients to tolerate, since it only requires a simple brushing at the back of the throat.

The test is recommended to be repeated annually or semi-annually, especially for individuals from high or moderate-risk endemic areas of the world, or those with a family history of NPC. (Patients with a family history of NPC have 20 times risk than high-risk population)

Benefits of regular screening

• Better survival rates – In most cases, the earlier the cancer is detected, the better your chance of survival
• Better quality of life – Early detection may also mean less invasive treatment or life altering side-effects and less time spent recovering