Description
The Women’s Cancer Screen 3 tests for CA-125 Cancer Antigen, CA-27.29 Cancer Antigen, CA-19-9 (Carbohydrate Antigen) and CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen). These 3 screening tests focus on the Breasts, Ovaries and Pancreas which are 3 of the major causes of cancer in aging women as well as a global screening test to detect cancer in the body.
CA-125 Cancer Antigen is used to follow women who have a family history of ovarian cancer. CA-125 is a protein present on some normal tissues and on the surface of cancer cells of various types but especially on ovarian cancer cells. The test is also used to monitor therapy during treatment for ovarian cancer and to detect whether cancer has come back after treatment.
CA-27.29 Cancer Antigen test is a blood test that is given specifically for breast cancer. The antigen CA 27.29 is found in the blood of women who have breast cancer. If CA 27.29 levels rise, it may indicate that the cancer is progressing or spreading. The test can be used to evaluate response to treatment, status of the cancer as well as the possibility of recurrence of the cancer.
CA 19-9 (Carbohydrate Antigen) Cancer screen is often produced by pancreatic cancers, and its level is elevated in more than 90% of pancreatic cancers. It's typically used to gauge how well a treatment is working in those diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. CA 19-9 may be ordered along with other tests, such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), bilirubin, and/or a liver panel, when a patient has symptoms that may indicate pancreatic cancer, including abdominal pain, nausea, weight loss, and jaundice. If CA 19-9 is initially elevated in pancreatic cancer, then it may be ordered during cancer treatment to monitor response and, on a regular basis following treatment, to help detect recurrence.
CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) is ordered to determine whether cancer is present in the body and to monitor cancer treatment. When you have symptoms that suggest the possibility of cancer your doctor may prescribe this test. Also this test is performed before starting cancer treatment especially in patients with Gastro Intestinal cancer, as well as at intervals during and after therapy to monitor treatment and recovery. Physicians can use CEA results to determine the stage and extent of cancer, especially gastrointestinal (GI) and, in particular, colorectal cancer. CEA is also helpful in monitoring patients with cancer of the rectum, lung, breast, liver, pancreas, stomach, and ovary.