CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) Test

The CEA test measures the level of a protein called carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in the blood. CEA, which is considered a tumour marker, is a substance that some cancer cells release into the blood. Healthy cells also make very low levels of tumour markers, so many people have CEA levels within a “normal range”. This is shown as reference range on laboratory reports. The CEA test can assist in diagnosing certain cancers, as elevated CEA levels may be associated with cancers of the colon, rectum, lung, liver, breast, pancreas, prostate, thyroid, and ovaries. For people already diagnosed with these types of cancer, measuring CEA levels over time can help doctors understand more about the cancer, the chance of recovery, or the likelihood of the cancer returning after treatment. Physicians might also monitor CEA levels throughout treatment to evaluate its effectiveness. It is important to know that the CEA test is not used to diagnose cancer on its own. This is because sometimes an individual with cancer could still have a normal CEA test result. Also, several non-cancerous conditions like liver problems, digestive issues, and breathing issues can cause CEA levels to rise. Therefore, CEA testing is usually used with other tests for a more accurate view of a patient’s health status and treatment progress.

The CEA test may be helpful in diagnosing cancer when done along with other tests and it provides helpful information if an individual has already been diagnosed with cancer. However, it is not used to diagnose cancer on its own. The test is recommended for the following reasons: To check if cancer has spread: The test can show if the cancer has grown or spread to other parts of your body. To evaluate treatment effectiveness: It helps determine how well your cancer treatment is working. You might have this test at different times, such as: Right after diagnosis: To help your doctor plan your treatment. During treatment: To check how effective therapies like chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or radiation are. After treatment ends: To check if the cancer has come back. Before starting treatment or surgery: Follow-up tests are usually done every one to three months during active treatment. Remember, an increase in CEA levels four to six weeks after starting treatment doesn’t always mean that treatment is failing. If you are in remission, your doctor may suggest regular CEA tests to monitor for any signs of cancer returning. They will decide how often you need these tests.