Medical researchers have identified more than a dozen substances that, when at abnormal levels, can indicate cancer. Tumor markers are measurable biochemicals that are typically associated with a “bad” or cancerous tumor (malignancy). They are either produced by tumor cells or by the body in response to tumor cells.
The FEMALE CANCER SCREEN FROM ON DEMAND MEDICAL TESTING screens for several types of cancers that affect women.
While scientists have not discovered markers for every type of cancer, this panel will evaluate the levels of common tumor markers related to cancers such as liver, lung, breast, stomach, gastrointestinal, and pancreatic.
Among several tests included in this Value Panel, the FEMALE CANCER SCREEN includes the Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) Test. This measures the amount of this protein in your blood that may be present in people with cancer. CEA is normally produced during the development of a fetus and stops before birth (it is not present in the blood of healthy adults.)
Specifically for women, this panel analyzes the CA 15-3 and CA 125 proteins. At times, the CA 15-3 can rise with breast cancer tumor growth and fall with treatment. An elevated CA 125 level can indicate ovarian cancer.
It also includes the Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) Test that can determine if you have a protein that can lead to liver cancer.
Beta2-Microglobulin is a protein found on the surface of many cells in your body. This test can help determine if you have specific types of cancer affecting white blood cells including chronic lymphocytic leukemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and multiple myeloma or kidney disease.
Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to both adult men and women.
