Why do I need a tumor marker test?
You may need a tumor marker test if you are currently being treated for cancer, have finished cancer treatment, or have a high risk of getting cancer because of family history or other reasons.
The type of test you get will depend on your health, health history, and symptoms you may have. Below are some of the most common types of tumor markers and what they are used for.
| CA 125 (cancer antigen 125) |
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| Tumor marker for: | ovarian cancer |
| Used to: | - See if cancer treatment is working
- See if cancer has come back after you've finished treatment
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| CA 15-3 and CA 27-29 (cancer antigens 15-3 and 27-29) |
|---|
| Tumor markers for: | breast cancer |
| Used to: | Monitor treatment in women with advanced breast cancer |
| PSA (prostate-specific antigen) |
|---|
| Tumor marker for: | prostate cancer |
| Used to: | - Screen for prostate cancer
- Help diagnose prostate cancer
- Monitor treatment
- Check to see if cancer has come back after you've finished treatment
|
| CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) |
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| Tumor marker for: | colorectal cancer, and also for cancers of the lung, stomach, thyroid, pancreas, breast, and ovary |
| Used to: | - See if cancer treatment is working
- See if cancer has come back after you've finished treatment
|
| AFP (Alpha-fetoprotein) |
|---|
| Tumor marker for: | liver cancer, and cancers of the ovary or testicles |
| Used to: | - Help diagnose liver cancer
- Find out if cancer has spread (the stage of cancer)
- See if cancer treatment is working
- Predict chances for recovery
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