Cancer Screening - Female

Key Aspects of CEA Testing

• Purpose: Not for screening, but to monitor cancer progression, treatment response, and recurrence (especially in colorectal cancer).
• Common Causes of Elevated CEA: Colorectal cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, medullary thyroid cancer, and pancreatic cancer.
• Non-cancerous (Benign) Causes: Smoking, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), pancreatitis, liver disease (cirrhosis, hepatitis), and infections.
• Limitations: CEA is not highly specific for cancer. A low level does not always mean a cancer has not returned.

Purpose: Primarily to monitor ovarian cancer treatment effectiveness and detect potential recurrence.

Causes of Elevated CA-125 Levels

Besides ovarian cancer, other benign conditions can increase CA-125, including:

• Endometriosis
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
• Uterine Fibroids
• Pregnancy
• Menstruation
• Liver diseases (such as cirrhosis)
• Other Cancers (e.g., endometrial, fallopian tube, pancreatic, breast, lung, colon)

What to Expect

• The test is a simple blood test, typically ordered by a GP or specialist to evaluate symptoms or monitor a known condition. If you are experiencing symptoms like persistent bloating, pelvic pain, or increased abdominal size, you should discuss this with your doctor.

CA 15-3

• Primary Use: Monitoring treatment in patients with metastatic breast cancer.
• Limitations: Elevated levels can also occur in benign breast disease, liver disease (cirrhosis, hepatitis), and other cancers (lung, ovarian).
• Diagnosis & Monitoring: Not used alone for cancer diagnosis; it acts as an aid to physical exams and imaging.