An illustration of lab experiment.[Photo/people.com.cn]

For some people, gastroscope tests are even more frightening than hearing a doctors' grim diagnosis on their stomachache. Now, they may not need to fear that any longer.

A study team from Shanghai's Rui Jin Hospital has found that the tumor marker for stomach cancer can be tested through urine, the hospital revealed on Wednesday.

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.

This has significance in treating stomach cancer as the disease may now be detected at an early stage. 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.