Pancreatic cancer screening in Kuala Lumpur
Early pancreatic symptoms, such as tiredness, weight loss or food not sitting right, are vague and easy to brush off. Our screening uses the CA 19-9 tumour marker with related markers, and our dietitian team explains your results one-to-one and helps you plan the next steps.
Your results are reviewed one-to-one by our dietitian team,
Jaceme Chuah
and
Jess Yii
- ★ 4.8 on Google From 26 reviews
- CA 19-9 With CEA and AFP
- Report review One-to-one with our dietitian team
- Tue–Sat 10am–5pm, by appointment
Signs that are easy to overlook
Pancreatic cancer is often found late, partly because its early symptoms are subtle and easy to put down to everyday life. These signs have many possible causes. Screening is one way to look a little further.
- Tiredness
- Weight loss
- Bloating
- Food not sitting right
- Persistent digestive issues
- Jaundice
What to know about pancreatic cancer
The pancreas is a gland behind the stomach. It makes digestive juices, and hormones such as insulin that control blood sugar.
Pancreatic cancer starts when cancer cells grow in the pancreas. Most cases are pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, which begins in the cells lining the small ducts that carry pancreatic juice.
Because the pancreas sits deep in the body, pancreatic cancer rarely causes clear symptoms at an early stage. Many people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at a later stage, which is why early detection matters, especially for people at increased risk.
What the screening covers
A core tumour marker panel, with optional add-on tests if your history or symptoms call for them.
Tumour marker panel
Core testsWhat is tested
- CA 19-9 : the tumour marker most linked to the pancreas
- CEA and AFP : related tumour markers that add broader context
Optional add-on tests
If neededWhat is tested
- Liver function panel : ALT, AST, GGT
- Blood sugar tests : HbA1c and fasting glucose
- Imaging referral : ultrasound or CT scan if your markers are raised
Want a wider tumour-marker panel with organ and metabolic checks? See our VIP Cancer Monitoring package (Women 75 tests / Men 74 tests), RM599 on promotion (usual price RM830). Prices may change; please confirm when you book.
Risk factors: who should consider pancreatic cancer screening
This screening is designed for:
- People with a family history of pancreatic, colon or liver cancer
- People with diabetes or blood sugar that goes up and down
- People living with obesity
- Adults over 50 with unexplained symptoms
- Anyone with persistent digestive issues, fatigue or jaundice
No more guessing, and no more searching symptoms online at 2am.
Is there a screening test for pancreatic cancer?
There is no routine screening programme for pancreatic cancer in the general population. No single blood test is accurate enough to screen for pancreatic cancer in everyone.
Specialist screening programmes focus on people at high risk, such as those with a strong family history of pancreatic cancer or certain inherited cancer syndromes. These programmes usually rely on imaging, such as magnetic resonance imaging, arranged by a specialist.
A blood test for CA 19-9 and related markers works differently. It can flag a change worth checking, and our team helps you understand your cancer risk and what to do next. It cannot diagnose or rule out pancreatic cancer.
What a tumour marker can and cannot tell you
A tumour marker such as CA 19-9 is a monitoring and early-flag tool. It cannot diagnose cancer on its own, and a normal result does not rule cancer out.
A raised result is a reason to look further, not an answer. If your markers are raised, we can refer you for imaging such as an ultrasound or CT scan, and point you to a specialist for further checks.
More than a blood test
Your results are explained by our dietitian team. Whether you have risk factors or are already under a specialist’s care, we:
- Give you a dietitian-reviewed report with clear explanations
- Refer you for further checks if they are needed
- Help you understand how food and nutrients affect your pancreas
- Suggest diet and lifestyle changes suited to your results and risks
- Suggest suitable, evidence-based supplements when needed
From booking to a plan you can use
No hospital queues. Our clinic sees people by appointment.
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Book on WhatsApp
Send your age, main concern and a preferred date. We are open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am–5pm.
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Come in for your blood draw
At Oval Damansara. If your package includes fasting glucose or a lipid profile, fast for 8–12 hours. Plain water is fine.
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Get your results
Routine results are usually ready in 24–72 hours. Specialised panels can take longer; we confirm timing when you book.
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Go through them together
A one-to-one review of every result, with personalised nutrition guidance you can start on straight away.
Who goes through your results
Book a screening at our Kuala Lumpur clinic and your results come with a one-to-one review by this team, in plain language, with a plan to follow.
Jaceme Chuah
Co-Founder · Registered Dietitian
Over 8 years of clinical nutrition care and 2,000+ consultations. Jaceme built HDC’s dietitian-led review model.
- BSc (Hons) Dietetics with Nutrition, IMU
- IDF International Diabetes Educator
- HRD Corp Accredited Trainer
- Diabetes, kidney and metabolic nutrition
English · Mandarin · Malay · Hokkien
Full profile →
Jess Yii Poh Kee
Clinical Dietitian · Functional Nutritionist
Australia-trained, with a friendly, practical style: personalised meal planning and habit change that fits real Malaysian lifestyles.
- BHSc Nutritional & Dietetic Medicine, Endeavour College, Australia
- Professional Qualification in Nutritional & Functional Medicine
- Clinical, metabolic and preventive nutrition
English · Chinese · Malay
Full profile →Pancreatic cancer screening: common questions
What happens if my CA 19-9 is raised?
A raised marker does not mean you have cancer, and a normal one does not rule it out. If your markers are raised, we can refer you for imaging such as an ultrasound or CT scan for further checks.
Who explains my results?
Our dietitian team goes through your report with you one-to-one. We explain what each marker means and give diet and lifestyle guidance based on your own risks.
Can a blood test detect pancreatic cancer early?
Not reliably on its own. CA 19-9 can be normal in early pancreatic cancer, and it can also rise with other conditions, such as bile duct blockage or pancreatitis. It is a way to flag a change, not a diagnosis.
I have a family history of pancreatic cancer. Should I have a genetic test?
A blood marker screen does not test your genes. If several relatives have had pancreatic cancer, or a relative was diagnosed young, ask a specialist whether genetic testing for hereditary pancreatic cancer is right for you.
Can lifestyle changes reduce my risk of pancreatic cancer?
They may help. Not smoking, keeping a healthy weight and managing your blood sugar are sensible steps. Our dietitian team can help you plan the food side of this.
Do I need to fast?
Only if you add the blood sugar tests. Then fast for 8–12 hours before your appointment. Plain water is fine.
How long do results take?
Routine results usually take 24–72 hours. Specialised panels may take longer. We will confirm the timing when you book.
Want to talk it through first?
Tell us your age, any symptoms and your family history. We will help you decide whether this screening, or a broader package, suits you.
