CANCER/ TUMOR MARKERS

What is this test? These tests look for tumor markers, which are sometimes called cancer markers. Tumor markers are substances that are often made by cancer cells or by normal cells in response to cancer.
Sample required: Blood from a vein.
Client preparation: No preparation needed.
Turn-around time (How long does it take?): 2 hours offsite in a laboratory.
Tests done include:
 Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) – Total PSA
 Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) – Free PSA.
 Breast cancer (CA15-3)
 Ovarian Cancer (CA 125).
 Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)
 Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)
 Beta- Human chorionic gonadotropin (bHCG)
 Pancreatic Cancer (CA 19-9).
Basis of the Test: A tumor marker is any substance in your body that provides information about a cancer. Traditionally, tumor markers refer to proteins that cancer cells make. Noncancerous cells can also make tumor markers in response to a cancer. However, a tumor marker can also refer to mutations (changes) or patterns in your DNA.