What can you learn from a Tumour Markers test, for women?
In women, common tumour markers used to detect or monitor certain cancers include CA-125 (ovarian cancer), CA-15-3 (breast cancer), CA-19-9 (pancreatic and biliary tract cancers), CEA (various cancers), and AFP (liver and testicular cancers).
This test includes 5 Biomarkers: CA15-3, CA19-9, CA125, CEA, AFP
CA15-3 (Cancer Antigen 15-3): This protein is naturally produced by breast cells, and its levels are often elevated in cases of breast cancer. CA15-3 itself does not cause cancer, but it is shed by tumour cells, making it a useful marker for monitoring the progress of cancer. While CA15-3 is rarely elevated in women with localized breast cancer, it is elevated in around 75% of those with metastatic breast cancer (cancer that has spread to other organs). It can also be raised in healthy individuals or those with other cancers or diseases, such as bowel cancer, lung cancer, cirrhosis, hepatitis, and benign breast conditions.
CA19-9 (Cancer Antigen 19-9): CA19-9 is a protein found on the surface of certain cells. It is not responsible for cancer but is produced by tumour cells, making it useful for tracking cancer progression. CA19-9 levels are commonly elevated in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer, but it may also increase in other cancers like bowel, lung, and gallbladder cancer, as well as benign conditions such as gallstones, pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, and liver disease. Elevated CA19-9 levels do not necessarily indicate pancreatic cancer, as small amounts can also be found in healthy individuals.
CA125 (Cancer Antigen 125): This protein is typically found on the surface of ovarian cancer cells but can also be present in some normal tissues. It serves as a marker for ovarian cancer, though elevated CA125 levels can also occur in non-cancerous conditions such as menstruation, pregnancy, and pelvic inflammatory disease.
CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen): CEA is a protein that is usually absent from the blood of healthy individuals. However, it may be produced by certain cancer cells, and its presence in the blood can be a sign of cancer. CEA is commonly used to monitor patients with gastrointestinal cancers like colorectal cancer, but it can also be elevated in other cancers such as ovarian and breast cancer. Additionally, CEA can be raised in benign conditions like liver disease and inflammatory bowel diseases (such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis).
AFP (Alpha-fetoprotein): AFP is a protein typically produced by the developing foetus. However, elevated AFP levels can also be found in certain liver diseases and tumours. High AFP concentrations are common in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (a type of liver cancer) and may also be present in some patients with testicular cancer.
These biomarkers are used to help identify and monitor various cancers and diseases, but elevated levels do not always indicate cancer and can be seen in a range of other conditions.
