‘Cancer Marker Test’ is another screening method that helps detect cancer through a blood test… ‘Cancer’ is a disease that many people worry about because it is becoming more common and is found in younger age groups. Sometimes there are no signs in the early stages. Combined with current lifestyle behaviors such as fast-paced living, work stress, unhealthy eating, alcohol consumption, or sometimes cancer may be inherited genetically within families. Testing for cancer markers helps reduce the risk of hidden dangerous cancers in the body that often progress without us realizing it. It is also useful for monitoring symptoms in cancer patients or those who have recovered but need to be watched for recurrence.
Cancer marker testing involves drawing blood to detect abnormalities within the body. It is recommended to perform this test alongside other screening methods specific to the type of cancer for more detailed and accurate results. Detecting abnormalities early increases the chances of successful treatment.
Which types of cancer can cancer marker tests screen for?
- Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) – Prostate Cancer Marker Test
PSA is a protein produced by both normal and cancerous prostate cells. The normal PSA level is up to 4 nanograms/milliliter. PSA is usually produced in higher amounts in patients with prostate cancer. This test is recommended to be done alongsidedigital rectal examination (DRE). Blood for PSA testing should be drawn before the rectal exam because pressing or palpating the prostate can release more PSA, potentially causing elevated PSA results. - Alpha Fetoprotein (AFP) – Liver Cancer Marker Test
AFP is used to detect liver cancer in high-risk groups such as patients with cirrhosis or hepatitis B virus infection. The normal range for men and non-pregnant women is 0-20 nanograms/milliliter. It is recommended to repeat the test every 3-6 months and combine it withlower abdominal ultrasound to screen for liver cancer in men. Generally, healthy adults have AFP levels below 10 nanograms/milliliter. If AFP is very high or exceeds 500 nanograms/milliliter, doctors may perform additional tests to investigate abnormalities in the body. - Cancer Antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) – Pancreatic Cancer Marker Test
CA19-9 helps screen for liver cancer, bile duct cancer, gastrointestinal cancers, etc. It is also the best cancer marker for diagnosing and monitoring treatment in pancreatic or bile duct cancers. The normal CA19-9 level is up to 37 units/milliliter. This test can be combined with CT Scan or MRI for more accurate pancreatic cancer analysis. - Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) – Colon Cancer Marker Test
CEA is an antigen normally produced by intestinal and liver cells. Elevated CEA levels are often found in patients with gastrointestinal cancer, pancreatic cancer, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, etc. In colorectal cancer patients, CEA is significantly elevated. The normal CEA range is 2.5-5 nanograms/milliliter. CEA testing should be done alongsidecolonoscopy for detailed preventive screening. - Cancer Antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3) – Breast Cancer Marker Test
This glycoprotein protein can be elevated in several cancers such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, etc. CA 15-3 is often used to help diagnose metastatic breast cancer or recurrence. The normal CA15-3 level is 22 units/milliliter. For early breast cancer screening, it is recommended to performdigital mammogram or breast ultrasound alongside cancer marker testing for more detailed examination. - Cancer Antigen 125 (CA 125) – Ovarian Cancer Marker Test
CA 125 helps screen for ovarian cancer and monitor disease stages in ovarian cancer patients. Elevated CA 125 may also be found in pregnant women or those with abdominal inflammation, etc. The normal range is 0-35 units/milliliter. It can also be used to monitor ovarian cancer recurrence. For comprehensive ovarian cancer screening, it is recommended to combine this test with ultrasound.
Summary! 5 Benefits of Cancer Marker Testing
- Helps screen for cancer in high-risk individuals
- Assists in cancer diagnosis
- Monitors treatment outcomes and prevents cancer recurrence
- Provides values that help determine cancer treatment options
- Early detection increases the chances of successful treatment
Because cancer marker testing combined with regular health check-ups not only reduces the risk of cancer but also increases the chance of effective treatment when detected early, allowing us to live every day without worry, maintaining good health through planned self-care with annual health screenings.
