SINGAPORE, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- The National University of Singapore has developed a new non-invasive method to detect cancer earlier, the Channel NewsAsia reported on Friday

    The doctors have adopted a new screening technique of shining near-infrared rays on patients' problem areas, instead of currently using white light endoscopies, according to the report.

    Using the near-infrared fluorescence imaging, doctors may soon spot cancer risks before any physical signs, causing cancer cells to emit fluorescence.

    While using the invasive method, early cancer cannot always be accurately detected because white light cannot penetrate beneath the surface, the report said.

    In addition, near-infrared red light is a biologically transparent light so it is safe for human cells and tissues.

    A clinical trial using the new technique is currently being conducted at the National University Hospital.

    The report said, diagnosis at a pre-cancer stage ensures survival rates of up to 100 percent, but if diagnosis was done at an advanced stage, then the survival rate plunges to less than 20 percent.