Tumor markers are substances produced and detected in blood that may indicate the presence of cancer. 
 

 

Why are Tumor Markers used?

 

Some tumor markers may be useful in detecting cancer in high-risk individuals such as AFP for patients who have Hepatitis B or Cirrhosis, or CA125 for those with a genetic predisposition to ovarian cancer.

 

Sometimes tumor markers are used to detect recurrence of cancer, for example, colorectal cancer with a previously raised CEA.

Tumour marker tests (may be referred to by some people as cancer marker tests) may be done as a blood test, as a urine test, or as a biopsy. As tumour marker levels fluctuates over time, these tests may similarly need to be repeated over the course of a patient’s cancer treatment journey.

The likelihood of successfully treating cancer is considerably increased with early detection and treatment.  The two elements of early cancer detection are screening, and early diagnosis.  While screening consists of evaluating individuals to find those who have cancer before any symptoms occur, early diagnosis focuses on identifying cancer in symptomatic patients as early as possible.  Cancer marker tests may help patients detect their cancers early and get appropriate treatment.